Farah & Amir Essa Unveil New 54K SF Mixed-Use Development in Irving Park

A mixed-use development is set to transform the landscape at 2801 W Montrose Avenue in Irving Park. Led by Farah and Amir Essa, and designed by SEEK Design + Architecture, the project will replace several existing buildings opposite Horner Park.

Site Acquisition and Features

The developers secured the site for $2.6 million last year, down from the initial asking price of $3.2 million. The location, spanning around 24,500 square feet, previously housed commercial buildings, notably Ruby Dry Cleaners. Farah and Amir Essa, also the owners of Tiny Giants Early Learning Center, plan to incorporate their business into the development.

Design and Layout

The four-story structure, standing over 40 feet tall, will feature a split ground floor. The lower level will accommodate a new 12,000-square-foot Tiny Giants facility, complete with classrooms, a playground, and a separate entrance. A 23-vehicle parking lot will separate this area from the residential lobby at the south end. The second floor will house office space, serving as the headquarters for Tiny Giants, while the third and fourth floors will host 24 residential units of varying sizes.

Aesthetic Details

The building's exterior will showcase a combination of light gray brick and varying gray metal panels with light-blue accent tiles. The ground floor will feature punched windows, while the upper levels will incorporate different corrugations.

Development Timeline

As the project falls within existing zoning regulations, there's no need for rezoning. Demolition is scheduled to begin in spring, with the building slated to open gradually from 2026 onwards.