Updated plans for 2858 N. Halsted Street call for a five-story, 20-apartment building with expanded retail at Halsted and George streets.
A redevelopment proposal for the longtime George Street Pub property in Lakeview has received a dramatic makeover. Developer Contemporary Concepts Inc. has revealed revised plans for 2858 N. Halsted Street, replacing an earlier four-story design with a five-story mixed-use building featuring 20 apartments and ground-floor retail.
Designed by Eckenhoff Saunders, the new version trades the original darker masonry for a lighter brick facade, black-framed windows and recessed balconies. The project would replace the existing one-story pub building and its outdoor patio if approved.
How the proposal has evolved since August
Southport Corridor Chicago first covered the proposal on August 7, 2026. At that time, the approximately 56-foot-tall, four-story development called for 20 apartments, including four affordable units, 1,367 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and no on-site parking. The initial plans placed two apartments at ground level, with a shared rooftop deck and very limited private balconies. Read our original August report here.
The revised building retains the same number of apartments and the same four affordable homes but adds a fifth floor, a more varied unit mix, more balcony space, and three parking spaces. Its new retail footprint expands to 1,784 square feet—417 square feet larger than before.
What changed in the plans?
| Feature | August proposal | October revision |
|---|---|---|
| Building height | 4 stories | 5 stories |
| Apartments | 20 | 20 |
| Affordable apartments | 4 | 4 |
| Ground-floor retail | 1,367 sq. ft. | 1,784 sq. ft. |
| Parking | None proposed | 3 spaces |
The earlier proposal had three studios, ten two-bedroom apartments, six three-bedroom apartments and one four-bedroom unit. The revised mix calls for four studios, seven two-bedroom units, eight three-bedroom units and one five-bedroom residence. The new floor plans show apartments ranging from approximately 574 to 1,873 square feet.
A new look for the Halsted Street corner
The latest design features light cream-colored brick, recessed balconies and larger windows. At street level, broad storefront windows would wrap around the Halsted and George intersection, bringing a stronger commercial presence to the corner. No retail tenant has been announced.
Larger homes and more outdoor space
Along with additional three-bedroom units and a proposed five-bedroom residence, the updated design shows recessed private balconies and shared rooftop outdoor space for residents. The ground floor would accommodate retail, a residential lobby, service areas and one apartment.
What happens to George Street Pub?
The proposed project would require demolition of the current George Street Pub building and its patio, a familiar Lakeview gathering spot. The redevelopment remains a proposal, however, and a confirmed closing date for the pub has not been established in the latest plans.
Zoning review and next steps
The development team is seeking a zoning change from B3-2 to B2-3. The 44th Ward has posted project materials for public review. No confirmed construction start or completion timeline has been announced, and the plans could still change during review.
What do you think? Is the new five-story design a better fit for Halsted Street, or would you rather see George Street Pub stay?
Sources and previous coverage
- Southport Corridor Chicago — Original August 7, 2026 report
- Chicago YIMBY — Updated proposal
- 44th Ward — Project information
- Urbanize Chicago — Earlier proposal