Demolition Approved for Former Ann Sather Building in Lake View

• The City of Chicago has approved the demolition of the former Ann Sather restaurant building at 909 W. Belmont Ave. to make way for the second phase of the Belmora development.
• Mavrek Development plans to build a 46-unit mixed-use building featuring residential apartments, ground-floor retail space, and surface parking.
• Phase One of the Belmora project is nearing completion, with leasing expected to begin later this summer and the first residents anticipated this fall.

What the Demolition Means for the Site

The former home of the longtime breakfast destination Ann Sather at 909 W. Belmont Ave. is set to be demolished after the City of Chicago issued a demolition permit on July 10. The restaurant permanently closed on June 28, ending its decades-long presence in Lake View, although the company has announced plans to reopen at a new location in Wicker Park. The demolition will clear the way for the second phase of Belmora, a mixed-use residential development by Mavrek Development. Brophy Excavation has been hired to demolish the 1903 building, with the work estimated to cost $65,800.

What the Second Phase Will Include

The second phase of Belmora, officially addressed as 917 W. Belmont Ave., will add 46 residential units spread across the building's upper four floors. The unit mix includes 37 efficiency apartments and nine standard apartments, providing a range of housing options in one of Chicago's busiest transit-oriented neighborhoods. The ground floor will include approximately 3,400 square feet of commercial space, replacing retail space lost during the demolition process. Residents will also have access to six surface parking spaces located behind the building with alley access. Like the first phase, the new building was designed by Eckenhoff Saunders, continuing a consistent architectural style across the full Belmora development.

What Progress Looks Like on Phase One

Construction on Belmora Phase One, located at 925 W. Belmont Ave., is now substantially complete from the exterior. Brick masonry has been installed across the residential floors, storefront windows are in place, and balcony hardware has already been attached in preparation for the final balcony installations. The first phase will also deliver 46 residential units, bringing the entire Belmora development to 92 apartments once both phases are complete. Mavrek Development expects the first residents to move in this fall, with pre-leasing scheduled to begin later this summer.

What This Means for Lake View

Belmora represents another transit-oriented development in Chicago's Lake View neighborhood. Situated directly next to the Belmont CTA Red, Brown, and Purple Line station, the project places residents within easy walking distance of public transportation, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. While the demolition marks the end of a well-known neighborhood restaurant, the redevelopment will introduce new housing and retail space that aligns with the city's continued push for higher-density development near major transit hubs.