Renderings: Massive development gets approval in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood
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Rendering: Courtesy of Gensler, Nia, and Site
The Chicago Plan Commission approved a new project that will reshape Clark Street in the Uptown neighborhood.
Why it matters: Uptown has been overlooked for huge development projects in the past, but the "Free to BE Village" has been the dream ever since the Black Ensemble Theater redeveloped its new space in 2011.
Zoom in: The 30,000-square-foot mixed-use arts development at 4427 N. Clark St. will include 53 artists residences, a media and technology center, retail spaces and a performing arts center.
- It will be across the street from the Black Ensemble Theater, which along with Gensler, is the developer.
The intrigue: The more than $75 million cultural village was scaled back after hearing from concerned residents about its size, especially the height of the residential building.
- The new plan calls for a 45-foot residential tower, as opposed to the original 70-foot proposal.
What's next: Even though it was approved by the plan commission, it still needs to get the support of the full city council to move forward.
- It will be split into two phases with construction expected to begin this year and a goal of completing the project by 2027.