Demolition Permit Issued for 2501 N. Clark Mixed-Use Project

A demolition permit has been issued for 2501 N. Clark Street in Chicago, clearing the way for a proposed six-story mixed-use development from Quest Realty Group.

The project is planned for the intersection of North Clark Street and West St. James Place, where an existing one-story retail building currently occupies the property.

Precision Excavation is the demolition contractor and can now clear the existing structure in preparation for the new development.

Designed by Hanna Architects, the proposed building will contain 20 residential units above 3,775 square feet of ground-floor retail space.

A construction timeline for the new building has not yet been announced.

Six-Story Mixed-Use Building Planned

Urbanize Chicago reports that plans call for a six-story building combining commercial space at street level with five floors of residential units above.

The development will include:

• Six stories
• 3,775 square feet of ground-floor retail
• 20 residential units
• Four affordable units
• Private balconies for every apartment
• Shared rooftop deck
• Bicycle parking
• No vehicle parking

The ground-floor commercial space will occupy almost the entire first floor, giving the project a substantial retail component along North Clark Street.

Ground Floor Designed Around Retail Space

The 3,775-square-foot retail space will dominate the ground floor of the building.

The residential entrance will front North Clark Street, while several mechanical spaces will be positioned toward the rear of the property.

Trash facilities and bicycle racks will be located outside at the back of the site and accessed from West St. James Place.

No vehicle parking is planned for the development.

The commercial component will eventually create opportunities for retail interior construction and tenant improvements in addition to the work required for the residential portion of the building.

20 Apartments Planned Across Five Floors

The residential portion of the development will occupy the five floors above the retail level.

Each floor will contain four apartments for a total of 20 residential units.

The unit mix will consist of:

• 10 two-bedroom apartments
• 10 three-bedroom apartments
• Four apartments per residential floor

All 20 residences will have private balconies.

Residents will also have access to a shared rooftop deck, adding another outdoor amenity component to the construction program. Four of the apartments will be designated affordable to meet Affordable Requirements Ordinance requirements.

Demolition Permit Moves Project Forward

Issuance of the demolition permit represents an important step toward redevelopment of the property.

Precision Excavation can now demolish and clear the existing one-story retail building from the site. Demolition and site clearing will prepare the property for the proposed six-story structure.

A timeline for construction of the new building has not been announced, so the project remains one to monitor as it advances beyond demolition and toward new construction.

Hanna Architects Designs Clark Street Development

Hanna Architects is designing the six-story project for Quest Realty Group.

The building's mixed-use program combines a large ground-floor retail space with relatively spacious residential layouts above.

Rather than studios and one-bedroom units, all 20 apartments will contain either two or three bedrooms. Private balconies for every residence and a shared rooftop deck add exterior and rooftop construction components to the project.

The lack of an on-site parking garage also means the ground floor can be devoted primarily to commercial space rather than vehicle storage.

Construction Trades Involved

With a demolition permit issued, the first active construction-related opportunity is the removal of the existing one-story building by Precision Excavation.

As the development progresses toward new construction, a six-story mixed-use building of this scope could involve:

• Demolition contractors
• Excavation and earthwork contractors
• Site preparation contractors
• Foundation contractors
• Concrete contractors
• Structural contractors
• Masonry contractors
• Building envelope contractors
• Window and glazing contractors
• Exterior cladding contractors
• Roofing contractors
• Waterproofing contractors
• Balcony contractors
• Mechanical contractors
• HVAC contractors
• Plumbing contractors
• Electrical contractors
• Fire protection contractors
• Drywall and insulation contractors
• Carpentry contractors
• Millwork and cabinetry contractors
• Flooring and tile contractors
• Painting contractors
• Door and hardware contractors
• Lighting contractors and suppliers
• Retail fit-out contractors
• Rooftop deck contractors
• Bicycle rack suppliers and installers
• Sitework contractors

The 3,775-square-foot retail component could also generate additional opportunities for commercial interior contractors and suppliers once the future retail space moves toward tenant build-out.

2501 N. Clark Moves Into Demolition Stage

The redevelopment of 2501 N. Clark Street has taken another step forward with the issuance of the demolition permit.

Precision Excavation can now remove the existing one-story retail building, preparing the site for Quest Realty Group's proposed six-story mixed-use development.

If the project proceeds as planned, the new building will deliver 20 apartments, including four affordable units, along with 3,775 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Each residence will have a private balcony, while the building will also include a shared rooftop deck and bicycle parking.

No construction start or completion date for the new building has been announced.

For Chicago contractors and suppliers, 2501 N. Clark is a project to watch as demolition proceeds and the development moves closer to the new construction stage.