Lincoln Park – The Chicago Plan Commission gave its unanimous approval on Thursday for Francis W. Parker School’s long‑awaited campus expansion. The vote moves the proposal to the City Council’s Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards for further consideration.
Project details and school rationale
The plan calls for the demolition of a 117‑year‑old, 15‑unit residential building at 327‑335 W. Belden Ave. and the construction of a five‑story educational building connected to the existing campus at 330 W. Webster Ave. by a pedestrian bridge over a public alley. The school also seeks to add lighting to its athletic field along Lincoln Park West.
Parker officials say the expansion is essential because the school has reached capacity. Over the next seven years, the institution intends to add roughly 125 students and 30 faculty and staff members. The additional space would enable Parker to broaden its financial assistance program, allowing more families to afford a Parker education.
Community commitments
In response to neighborhood concerns, Parker has offered several concessions. The school will provide seven income‑restricted affordable‑housing units and contribute $500,000 over 20 years to two 43rd Ward public schools. It also agreed to keep a neighboring Parker‑owned apartment building at 317‑325 W. Belden Ave. as residential housing for the next 30 years.
School spokesperson praised the Commission’s decision, stating, “We’re grateful to the Plan Commission for its careful consideration and for voting unanimously in favor of our proposal, recognizing the benefit it brings to our greater Lincoln Park community and the City of Chicago.”
Neighborhood opposition
Despite the school’s assurances, local residents remain uneasy. Melissa Macek, president of the Mid‑North Association, expressed disappointment, saying the commission seemed predisposed to approve the project before public comment. The group’s September 10 letter to the Commission noted that more than 90 % of feedback it collected opposed the plan, and a petition against the project has gathered over 2,100 signatures, with 65 % from the 43rd Ward.
Opponents argue that the demolition of the Belden apartments would reduce housing stock and that the school could expand within its existing six‑acre campus without displacing residents. They also object to the proposed athletic‑field lighting.
Alternative proposal
A community‑driven “Better Plan” suggests building a new five‑story academic wing on Parker’s current parking lot, potentially adding a sixth‑story aquatic center, thereby preserving the historic residential building. Parker board member Anny Gary countered that the Better Plan overestimates developable space on the parking lot by roughly 35‑40 %.
Affordable‑housing component
The school’s affordable‑housing commitment includes converting its building at 2236 N. Clark St., valued at about $1.5 million, into seven income‑restricted apartments, plus an additional $500,000 for the conversion. Alderman Timmy Knudsen emphasized the importance of truly affordable units, noting that large development projects often struggle to provide them.
The revised agreement also restricts Parker from expanding its development boundary for 20 years without written consent from the future 43rd Ward alderman.
Next steps
The expansion now proceeds to the City Council’s zoning committee, where it is expected to be heard later this week. If approved, construction would not begin until at least 2028.
Neighborhood groups, including the Mid‑North Association, have vowed to remain engaged throughout the process, stating they will attend upcoming City Council hearings to voice continued concerns.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
