Construction is underway at 3959 N. Lincoln Avenue, bringing a major redevelopment to the busy Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park intersection in North Center.
The project will renovate the existing five-story former bank building and add new construction, creating 64 affordable apartments, commercial space and supportive services.
A historic building gets a new chapter
Instead of tearing down the existing building, the project will adapt the structure and build a five-story addition. LBBA Architects designed a contemporary exterior with light masonry, dark-framed windows and a more continuous street frontage.
64 affordable apartments
The residential plan includes 14 one-bedroom, 36 two-bedroom and 14 three-bedroom apartments. The housing is intended to provide long-term stability for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, including families, with services provided in partnership with Apna Ghar.
Brinshore Development is leading the project. The Chicago Housing Authority is supporting the apartments through project-based rental assistance.
Retail, amenities and streetscape improvements
Ground-floor commercial space, resident amenities and an outdoor rooftop area are part of the redevelopment. The project also proposes 18 parking spaces and a redesigned Lincoln Avenue frontage.
Another change for North Center’s six corners
The work is part of the continuing evolution of the Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park intersection, where residents have watched proposals for new housing and mixed-use buildings reshape the neighborhood conversation around density, traffic and design.
What’s next?
With groundbreaking now held, construction is moving forward. A final opening date has not been confirmed.
What do you think of the design? Is this a welcome change for the intersection?
Now let’s get something built in the huge, never used parking lot across the street – the southwest corner of Damen and Irving Park.