Why Chicago’s New Buildings Keep Looking So… Basic

If you’ve looked at recent apartment developments across Chicago—especially on the North Side—you may have noticed a recurring theme: lots of dark brick, fiber cement panels, boxy balconies, and simple facades. Few ornate cornices. Few limestone masterpieces. Very little of the architectural drama that defined Chicago’s golden age of construction.

The reason isn’t a lack of imagination.

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STRONG Pilates Expands Into Lakeview With New Southport Corridor Studio Opening June 6, 2026

Chicago’s boutique fitness boom continues in Lakeview, with Australian-born fitness brand STRONG Pilates officially opening its first neighborhood studio in the Southport Corridor on June 6.

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Full Building Permit Issued For 48 Apartments And Retail Space At 2600 N. Clark

A full building permit has officially been issued for a new mixed-use development at 2600 N. Clark Street in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, clearing the way for construction of a five-story apartment and retail building on the long-vacant former Dunlay’s On Clark site.

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Colectivo Coffee on Southport Back on Track After Major Structural Rebuild, Summer Opening Targeted

Colectivo Coffee on Southport Back on Track After Major Structural Rebuild, Summer Opening in Sight

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Demolition Permits Issued for Southport/Belmont Development

Demolition permits have been issued for a series of buildings along West Belmont Avenue in Lakeview, clearing the way for a new mixed-use residential development at 1215 W. Belmont, according to city records and project details. The site is the former home of Stage 773, which closed in 2021.

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Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Expands in Chicago — Southport Corridor Under Active Consideration

Continue reading “Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Expands in Chicago — Southport Corridor Under Active Consideration”

Luxury Gay Hotel Proposed for Northalsted at Former DS Tequila Site

Continue reading “Luxury Gay Hotel Proposed for Northalsted at Former DS Tequila Site”

City Council Gives Final Approval to 99-Unit Residential Development at 3233 N. Sheffield

Continue reading “City Council Gives Final Approval to 99-Unit Residential Development at 3233 N. Sheffield”

City Council Greenlights Huge Foundry Park Project Along Southport Avenue

Continue reading “City Council Greenlights Huge Foundry Park Project Along Southport Avenue”

New Look at the Backbeat Hotel Coming to Lake View

Continue reading “New Look at the Backbeat Hotel Coming to Lake View”

Dr. Martens Closed, Reformation Opening on Southport Avenue

Continue reading “Dr. Martens Closed, Reformation Opening on Southport Avenue”

HYOU Fine Jewelry is coming to 3530 N. Southport Avenue

Continue reading “HYOU Fine Jewelry is coming to 3530 N. Southport Avenue”