A long-planned mixed-use development at 3347-49 N. Southport Avenue remains stalled, despite previous indications that construction would resume in early 2026.
The vacant site, just south of the Southport CTA Brown Line station, has become a familiar sight along the corridor after years of demolition, permitting, revised plans and construction delays. According to the 44th Ward, the development is still officially listed as “Under Construction.” But as of October 2026, little visible progress has been made at the property.
What is planned for the site?
The current proposal dates back to 2019 and calls for a five-story mixed-use building with residential units above ground-floor commercial space. The project originally called for six stories and 35 residential units, but was revised following neighborhood feedback. By December 2019, the unit count had been reduced to 27 apartments.
Current plans include:
- 27 residential units
- approximately 4,230 square feet of ground-floor commercial space
- four vehicle parking spaces
- 28 bicycle parking spaces
- a building height of approximately 54 feet
The plans show a mix of studio and one-bedroom apartments. Residents can view the project information and original development materials on the 44th Ward development page. View the 3347-49 N. Southport project page
The old building was demolished years ago
The previous three-story building was demolished in 2020, clearing the site for redevelopment. But instead of a new building immediately following demolition, the property remained largely vacant. A major step appeared to come in April 2023, when the city issued a foundation permit for the five-story building. That permit listed 3347 Southport LLC as the development entity, with Surf Development Corporation serving as general contractor. At the time, Southport Corridor News reported that work was expected to finally resume after the site had sat vacant for years.
Read our 2023 coverage: Work to finally resume at 3347-49 N. Southport
Full building permit issued in 2024
Another major milestone arrived on March 29, 2024, when the City of Chicago issued a full building permit for the development. The permit authorized construction of a five-story, fully sprinklered masonry building with:
- 27 dwelling units
- ground-floor commercial space
- balconies
- an elevator
- two private garages
The stated construction valuation was $4.5 million. BuildZoom At that point, construction once again appeared ready to move forward. But substantial construction still did not follow.
The construction permit was later reinstated
Public permit records show another important development on July 31, 2025. A permit was issued to reinstate the previously revoked building permit #100911066.
The reinstatement specifically states that work must begin and/or an inspection must be requested no later than October 2026 per BuildZoom. That deadline has now arrived. The reinstatement is significant because it indicates the development had not simply disappeared. Instead, the permit was actively revived so the project could potentially proceed.
Ward office previously expected construction to resume
In the most recent update provided by the 44th Ward office, Southport Corridor News was told in late 2025 that construction was anticipated to resume during the first quarter of 2026. That timeline has passed without the building visibly moving forward. At the same time, the 44th Ward’s current Major Development Projects page continues to classify 3347-49 N. Southport as “Under Construction.“
That leaves several unanswered questions: Is construction still expected to begin? Has the developer satisfied the October 2026 requirement attached to the reinstated permit? Has the project encountered another delay? And is the current “Under Construction” designation still accurate? At this point, no new construction timeline has been publicly announced.
Why the site matters to Southport
The property occupies a highly visible location just steps from the Southport Brown Line station and in the middle of one of Lakeview’s busiest retail districts. In addition to adding 27 residential units, the development would create more than 4,200 square feet of new street-level commercial space. After years as a vacant construction site, completing the project would restore a significant piece of the Southport streetscape and bring another active storefront to the corridor.
Residents can ask the 44th Ward for an update
Residents who would like additional information — or who want to encourage the city and developer to move the project forward — can contact Alderman Bennett Lawson’s 44th Ward office. The ward office specifically handles major development projects and accepts constituent inquiries and feedback.
44th Ward Alderman Bennett Lawson
3223 N. Sheffield Ave., Suite A
Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: 773-525-6034
Email: Ward44@CityofChicago.org
The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can also submit questions through the ward’s online contact form.
When contacting the office, residents may want to specifically ask for the current construction status and timeline for 3347-49 N. Southport, whether the project’s reinstated permit remains active, and whether the developer has provided the city with an updated construction schedule.
So, what happens next?
For now, the project appears to remain alive on paper. The zoning remains in place. A full building permit was issued. That permit was subsequently reinstated. And the 44th Ward continues to categorize the development as under construction. What remains missing is the most important part: Actual construction.
With the October 2026 deadline contained in the reinstated permit now here, residents may finally get a clearer answer about whether 3347-49 N. Southport will move forward — or whether one of the Southport Corridor’s longest-running development sagas is headed for yet another delay.
