936-940 West Leland, Dormant Lots For Years, Now Has a Proposal

We've been watching the empty lots at 936-940 West Leland (just east of Sheridan) for many years now, hoping for a residential building to replace a weed- and garbage-strewn eyesore.

A developer bought the three adjoining city lots in late 2017 for $850,000. After a few false starts behind the scenes, the owner has finally put forth a proposal to redevelop the land into market-rate housing.

The lots are currently zoned RT-4, which allows a 38-foot maximum height. The developer has applied for a zoning change to B2-3 to allow the construction of a five-story, 30-unit residential building comprised of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments. 

With the zoning change, affordable units would be required and the developer is proposing three on-site to satisfy the statute's requirements. A roof deck is included in the proposal.

Alderwoman Clay's zoning and development page reports proposed rental prices would range from $1,750 to $4,000. The proposal calls for six parking spaces and 35 bicycle spots.

Here at UU HQ, we think it's a pretty good-looking building, and most importantly it fills in a couple of long-dormant lots. We hope Alderwoman Clay grants the zoning change. If the change is not granted, the developer could build "by right" and would not be required to provide affordable units. With the zoning change requested, Ald. Clay can request the developer change things like the color of facade in addition to being required to provide the very important affordable on-site units.