Demolition work started today on the site of a planned new 214-unit rental apartment development on Chicago Avenue in Evanston.
AMLI Residential is demolishing the three vacant buildings on the site at Chicago Avenue and Kedzie Street to build the new complex which the developer says will offer luxury apartments designed for LEED Silver certification.
The new community will be within walking distance of three train stations, two bus lines, St. Francis Hospital, a variety of shopping, dining and cultural activities and lakefront.
Alderman Melissa Wynne, whose 3rd Ward includes the site, called it “a great project that will help boost the local economy.”
AMLI Executive Vice President Steve Ross said, “We believe that there is pent up demand in Evanston for brand new upscale apartments. The community’s green building standards, energy efficiency and smoke-free living environment will make it even more sought-after.”
AMLI expects its first residents to move in by Spring 2013.
AMLI Evanston will have one, two and three bedroom apartment homes, several live-work lofts, retail shops, and on-site parking. Contemporary apartment interiors will feature fully-equipped kitchens with stainless appliances, granite countertops and faux wood flooring.
Top: An architect’s rendering of part of the Chicago Avenue facade of the planned apartment complex, focusing on the ground-level live-work lofts.
design features
While I certainly welcome something new on a stretch of Chicago Avenue that's looked like a mess for a long while, I can only hope that the design of the building is at least as attractive as the illustration. Those sidewalks look wider than what's there now, and there are some trees that give at least the impression that you aren't just walking along the side of the road. Ideally, of course, there would be a significant set-back that would allow for some grass, some small yards, some room, in front of the retail space, but I know no developer could afford to lose square footage and profits to something as meaningless as consideration for the neighborhood.
Yes, the old Subaru
Yes, the old Subaru dealership. This will be much better than those worn down buildings. Unfortunetly there is still that ugly strip mall next door. Perhaps in another 50 years that too will go away and be updated with something designed for pedestrians first and not cars first.