To avoid rezoning battle, developer cuts Heartland Cafe redevelopment plans in half

Developer Sam Goldman has halved his plans to redevelop the former Heartland Cafe site in Rodgers Park.

Original plans for the redevelopment of the shuttered restaurant included a six-story mixed-use building that would include 60 apartment units. But now, the plans call for a 30-unit, five-story building, according to Block Club.

Ald. Maria Hadden (49th) announced the changes in an email to residents but did not give a reason for the change of heart. However, the new plans do not call for a zoning change whereas the original plans required a rezoning request and if passed, would have fallen under the Affordable Requirements Ordinance.

The Heartland Cafe in Rogers Park shuttered last year and sold to the Goldman family for $1.3 million. The 12,000-square-foot lot at 7000 N. Glenwood Ave was leveled and Goldman said he wants construction to begin by the end of February or early March.

The building will have units on the second through fourth floors with 2,500 square feet of retail space on the first floor and a 467 square foot event space and deck on the fifth floor. There will also be a 15-space parking lot on the property.

Goldman said rents for the original redevelopment would range from $800 to $2,800 for a three-bedroom but rents for the new plans have not been announced. [Block Club] — Jacqueline Flynn