ARTS CENTER OR MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING? Debate Over Use of Logan Square Building -Vacant for 20 Years - Heats Up!
CHICAGO MAYOR DALEY SUPPORTS 28 AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS + ARTS CENTER, WHILE COMMUNITY GROUP DEMANDS MORE HOUSING!
The Northwest Side Chicago Neighborhood of Logan Square has often been on the outskirts of housing development and renovation over the last few years. Despite its prime location - on the Blue Line L, and only six miles from Downtown Chicago and The Loop, it's retail district, centering on the three-way intersection of Milwaukee and Kedzie Avenues, and Logan Boulevard - is somewhat worn and shabby.
Nearby, on residential streets, renovated condos and homes share the block with those needing considerable updating. The recent slump in the housing market here in Chicago has extended market times for many condos, homes, and small apartment buildings in the middle-to-higher price ranges.
Homelessness is a concern in Logan Square, as it is in many neighborhoods throughout the city.
At 2802 N. Milwaukee, at Diversey Avenue, the old Morris B. Sachs Department Store Building has sat abandoned, with the exception of a Payless Shoe Store at ground level, for over 20 years. The City of Chicago acquired the building last year, and now the Chicago Department of Planning and Development has endorsed a plan to convert the building into retail space, an arts center for the community, and 28 units of affordable housing.
Yesterday, however, roughly 100 residents of Logan Square gathered in the rain next to the landmark Illinois Centennial Column to protest the city's proposal. Instead, they support a plan that would create 47 units of affordable housing, plus minimal office space for financial planners and social caseworkers.
The cost of these additional housing units would nearly double the cost of the renovation project, versus the City of Chicago proposal. It would also eliminate the Arts Center. In other neighborhoods, community arts centers have become a draw for visitors from within and outside the neighborhood, and a focal point for community activities.
Mayor Daley has always been keen on combining immediate community needs with long term community development. With the Logan Square proposal, residents are debating what would be best for the community - a more immediate housing solution, or a community-directed solution focused more long-term.
See Gerry Smith's article in today's Chicago Tribune for more info.
DEAN MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
