Plan To Tear Down Building At Lincoln and Foster Is News To Businesses Operating There Now – Block Club Chicago

LINCOLN SQUARE A developer is looking to tear down a two-story building at Foster and Lincoln avenues and replace it with a five-story building with apartments and ground floor stores.

But word of the planned teardown was news to some of the people working in the existing building at the corner.

Neighbors will get a chance to weigh in on the plans later this month at a community meeting. It will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 at the 40th Ward office, 5620 N. Western Ave.

Grand Properties Acquisitions LLC wants to tear down the current two-story building at 5155-5159 N. Lincoln Ave. that currently houses the businesses Jimmys Pizza Cafe, La Cabana De Don Luis and Kenias Bar.

Its unclear what lies in store for the businesses in the existing building. The developers did not return a message asking for comment.

Jimmy Kang, owner of Jimmys Pizza, said he learned of his landlords plans from Block Club Chicago.

If theyre going ahead with what theyre planning to do well need to move, said Kang.The landlord hasnt been around too much lately, butI knew he was trying to sell it.

Im not sure what were going to do now. Even if we stay after they build we cant be here during their demolition and construction, Kang said. Of course we want to keep the current customers we have in Lincoln Square. Thats key. But right now were just unsure if we can stay in the area. It all depends on the real estate market and finding another place for us nearby.

La Cabana De Don Luis chef Jose Mejia said the plan for a teardown was news to him.

I heard the building was for sale but didnt realize someone wanted to tear it down, he said in Spanish Thursday night. If theyre building something new Id like to still be located here. We havent put much thought into what would happen to our business if this building is torn down because this is the first Im hearing of the plans.

The new building would feature ground floor commercial rental space at the corner, two designated affordable work-live storefront units and parking for 20 cars, according to information from Ald. Andre Vasquezs (40th) office.

The upper floors of the building would contain 40 residential units, four of which will be designated affordable.

Developers would need a zoning change to move forward with the project.

Grand Properties is the same developer currently seeking a zoning change at 3244 3250 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. to build a new four-story mixed-use building.

Additional renderings of the proposed building below.

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Plan To Tear Down Building At Lincoln and Foster Is News To Businesses Operating There Now - Block Club Chicago