27-Unit Mixed-Use Development Proposed at 1449 West Devon Avenue in Edgewater

• Deborah Smith of Strauss Realty appears to be leading the proposal for a five-story, 27-unit mixed-use development at 1449 West Devon Avenue in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, although her role has not been officially confirmed.
• The project is planned for 1449 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660, on an approximately 5,000-square-foot site currently occupied by a vacant one-story commercial structure.
• The proposal includes 27 apartments, six affordable units, ground-floor commercial space and five rear parking spaces, with the project still requiring zoning and City Council approval.

What Is Planned For 1449 West Devon Avenue

A new mixed-use development is moving through the community review process at 1449 West Devon Avenue, replacing the existing one-story commercial property near Loyola University Chicago. The proposed building would rise five stories and occupy most of the roughly 5,000-square-foot parcel, with five parking spaces located at the rear along the alley. The site is positioned along Devon Avenue near North Greenview Avenue, giving the project access to a major neighborhood commercial corridor.

 

 

What The 27 Apartments Will Include

The development would deliver 27 apartments, divided evenly among nine studios, nine one-bedroom units and nine two-bedroom units. Six apartments would be designated as affordable under Chicago's Affordable Requirements Ordinance, according to the 48th Ward. The ground floor would contain three apartments along with a small amount of commercial space planned as individually leased office space. Most of the two-bedroom units would have private rear balconies, while the current plans do not show a shared rooftop deck.

What The Development Means For Edgewater

The proposal would replace an existing low-density commercial use with a residential and commercial building in an area surrounded by transit, neighborhood retail and Loyola University's campus. The property is also within walking distance of the CTA Red Line's Loyola station, while Devon Avenue provides bus service along the corridor. The site's proximity to the lakefront and university adds another potential demand driver for the proposed apartments. The property is currently being marketed for sale at approximately $288,500, according to current commercial listings, although it is unclear whether that listing will remain active as the development proposal advances.

What Happens Next

The 48th Ward is currently collecting community feedback on the proposal, with comments scheduled to close October 16. The applicant is seeking a zoning change before the project can advance through the city's approval process. No development cost or construction timeline has been disclosed. The project remains in the planning stage, so the final design, development team and schedule could change before approvals are secured.