4551 N. Dover Granted Zoning Variance, Construction Ahead

4553 N. Dover with 4551 visible on right (Axios Architects)

For most development in Chicago, red tape makes building a building difficult and things tend to start and stop as various clearances and approvals are obtained. 

In Uptown, we have a good example of the developmental approval process slowing things down. We have all been watching the former Happy Wash lot with great interest after the building was demolished and foundation work began, but as many readers noted, work seemingly ground to a halt.

We now know part of the delay was due to a variance request for the stand-alone building that is part of the project at 4551 N. Dover. The development received a slew of variance approvals back in 2023 but this did not include the setback variance that the building at 4551 N. Dover required. 

We are happy to report the Zoning Board of Appeals met on April 17 and the project was granted the last variance required, one that will ensure the 4551 Dover building has a matching 20.62' setback to the building directly to the south. 

So, very good news. We expect work will resume very soon.

Current view of 4551-53 N. Dover (Google)