Valdir Barion forges ahead with Edison Park apartments amid objections

After going back to the drawing board, developer Valdir Barion has cleared a major hurdle for a two-building apartment complex in Edison Park, despite backlash from local residents. 

The 41st Ward Zoning Advisory Committee unanimously approved Barion’s proposal to build an 82-unit complex at 6750 North Northwest Highway, sending it to 41st Ward Alderman Anthony Napolitano for review, Block Club reported. 

Barion recently revised his plan in response to locals’ concerns about excessive size, insufficient parking and architectural incongruity with neighboring structures. Barion collaborated with Hanna Architects to overhaul the design, resulting in 40 fewer bedrooms and a one-story reduction in height. 

Yet, some residents still believe the 82-unit project is too dense, while others deemed the changes sufficient and see the project’s potential to revitalize the area. 

Although opponents are still wary of parking provisions, Barion has addressed those concerns, with 32 partially covered outdoor spaces and 52 indoor garage spots planned for the development. Rents are projected to range from $1,885 to $2,552 for one-bedroom units and approximately $3,770 for three-bedroom units.

In addition, each building is set to include ground-floor retail space and a courtyard. Some have suggested reallocating retail space for additional parking, citing recent closures of neighborhood establishments.

“Something’s going to be built whether we like it or not,” Napolitano said during the meeting. “I’m hoping you guys in the room can figure out something that works for our neighborhood, because if it goes downtown [to city council], it’s not going to be what you want.”

Proponents view the project as a potential catalyst for revitalizing Edison Park, which has seen the departure of several local businesses in recent years. With city approvals and permits, construction could commence as early as spring 2025, the outlet reported.

—Quinn Donoghue

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