New Mixed-Use Apartment Building Proposed At Ashland and Lawrence (Updated)

rendering by Hanna Architects, Inc.

Update: We received this statement about the current ownership of the property on February 5, 2018:

"Relative to article about the Southeast Corner of Lawrence and Ashland that appeared in the January issue of the Uptown Update, please be advised that this property has not yet been sold.  In fact, the owner, Tom Baker, wants to assure all of his loyal customers that he will continue servicing their vehicles with the excellence that they have been accustomed to.  Please call Tom Baker at 773/989-0444 for your vehicle service."

Original Post: Plans have been unveiled for a new residential rental building to go on the southeast corner of Lawrence and Ashland, at the site of a long-time car repair shop. The exact address, according to the summary sheet on Ald. Pawar's website, is 1535 W Lawrence / 4757 N Ashland.

Trianon Development bought the property, located just a half-block west of Uptown's border, last October for $2,150,000. It proposes to build a 39-unit apartment building with two commercial spaces on the ground floor. The corner is currently home to long-time repair shop Lawrence & Ashland Auto Service.

The proposed building will be four stories high, and will include 3 one-bedroom apartments (830sf each) and 36 two-bedroom apartments (12 at 1200sf, and 24 at 900sf). There will be five on-site affordable apartments under the ARO, and there will be 35 interior garage spaces. Rents are to be determined.

A zoning change is requested and will be reviewed by Ald. Pawar and his Zoning Advisory Committee, probably at the February meeting. You can see the specifications here and the architectural drawings here.

Many Uptowners have had their vehicles serviced by Tom Baker and Lawrence & Ashland Auto over the decades, and losing them will be hard. No idea whether or not they will relocate. If you hear, let us know.