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Builders beware: Andersonville residents want to downzone another stretch of neighborhood
The second downzoning push in as many years could restrict condo and apartment projects in a popular stretch of Andersonville
A push to downzone yet another section of Andersonville could stymie development in the popular North Side neighborhood.
After neighbors successfully petitioned to downzone a portion of East Andersonville last year, another neighborhood group is hoping to do the same on a stretch of residential blocks near the Andersonville-Uptown border, according to Crain’s.
The South of Foster Zoning Committee is asking new Ald. Matt Martin (47th) to back the rezoning of eight residential blocks to prohibit new construction of multi-unit buildings.
The group said it wants to preserve the area’s historic single-family homes, some of which have already been razzed to make way for new multifamily buildings. A 1891 home in the area was recently demolished to make way for a six-condo building, and a 1901 Victorian home will be replaced with seven condos, according to Crain’s.
Lynda Lipkin, an @properties agent who represents a condo developer in the area, said young homebuyers don’t want old Victorians; They prefer smaller, new construction condos. She told Crain’s developers have already been “scared” off from building in Andersonville.
Andersonville has become a popular neighborhood for renters and buyers alike, thanks to its more adult-friendly atmosphere compared to neighboring areas like Lakeview and Uptown. But that popularity could be impacted by the long-term closure of three North Side Red Line stations that service Andersonville and neighboring areas.
[Crain’s] — Joe Ward