Neighborhoods on Chicago’s North Side are poised for additional multi‑family housing as developers move forward with zoning requests that have the backing of local aldermen. In Andersonville, Mackinaw Development, LLC and architect Mike Maresso of MC & Associates have asked Alderman Andre Vasquez (40th Ward) to approve a zoning change for a five‑story, 35‑unit apartment building at 5036‑44 N. Ashland Avenue.
Details of the Andersonville proposal
The proposed structure would contain nine one‑bedroom units and 26 two‑bedroom units, with seven of the apartments designated as affordable housing in accordance with city guidelines. Residents would benefit from 14 parking spaces for cars, 35 bicycle racks, inset balconies on each two‑bedroom unit, and a shared roof deck. The ground floor is slated for residential use only, with no commercial space.
Rents are projected to range from under $2,000 for one‑bedroom units to $2,500‑$2,800 for two‑bedroom units. If the zoning amendment is approved, the project would become the third development by the same team within a one‑mile corridor of Ashland Avenue. Their earlier projects at 5054 N. Ashland Avenue and 5636‑40 N. Ashland Avenue have already received approval from Alderman Vasquez’s office and the City Council.
Fox, who has the property under contract, indicated that once this request is cleared, the team will likely pause further zoning applications for “quite some time,” signaling a measured pace of development that respects community input.
Rogers Park’s former Leona’s site set for new apartments
Across town, demolition of the single‑story former Leona’s restaurant at 6929 N. Sheridan Road has been completed, clearing the way for an 80‑unit, five‑story apartment building. The new development will also include ground‑floor commercial space, adding both housing and retail opportunities to the Rogers Park streetscape.
Leona’s closed in 2019 and has remained largely vacant. Earlier attempts to repurpose the building, including a proposal for a Zen Leaf dispensary, were rejected by Alderman Maria Hadden (49th Ward) due to rezoning concerns. The site also served briefly as a campaign headquarters for former aldermanic candidate Bill Morton before city inspectors issued cease‑and‑desist orders in early 2023.
City records show that a demolition permit was issued to the current developer last month, and the project is now moving through the standard review process. If approved, the building will add much‑needed housing options to a neighborhood that has seen limited new construction in recent years.
Next steps and community involvement
Both zoning requests will first be reviewed by the City’s Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards before advancing to a full City Council vote. Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming public hearings to voice support or concerns. The administration’s focus on expanding affordable housing aligns with citywide goals to increase housing stock while preserving neighborhood character.
These projects illustrate a collaborative effort between developers, aldermen, and residents to address Chicago’s housing demand, promote walkable neighborhoods, and sustain local economic vitality.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
