After Inland takeover, Logan Square apartments near completion

A Logan Square development is nearing completion after real estate firm Inland’s takeover of a project beset by construction stallouts caused in part by squabbles among contractors.

Inland National Development Company is at the helm of Motif on Belden, a 100-unit, six-story building at 2845 West Belden Avenue near the California Blue Line station, Block Club Chicago reported. Just under 20 percent of units have been leased so far.

Inland took over the project in 2018 after Barry Sidel and Mark Ordower of Ogden Partners initially sought to redevelop the site in 2015. Their plan included 95 apartments and 44 parking spots, which drew criticism from neighbors who said too many developments were being built near the Blue Line. Chicago City Council ultimately approved the project, though.

Alderman Daniel La Spata, whose 1st Ward encompasses the property, previously voiced disapproval of the project. He said it doesn’t line up with the city’s need for more affordable housing, citing gentrification and displacement concerns in the neighborhood.

Multiple mechanic’s liens were filed by subcontractors and contractors on the property during its construction, indicating there were payment disputes among the firms hired to build the project before Inland entered and switched general contractors, a move that delayed its completion, according to public records.

Inland National’s COO Tom Lithgow believes Motif on Belden will attract younger tenants looking to take advantage of the neighborhood’s activities and cultural attributes.

“With Logan Square featuring beautiful boulevards and an ever-expanding selection of restaurants, bars and more, we believe this residential community will also attract record lovers, musicians, sophisticated dining aficionados — and that’s our target market,” Lithgow said in a statement.

Floor plans consist of 60 studios starting at $1,652 per month, and 40 one-bedrooms starting at $2,366 per month, ranging from 498 to 779 square feet. Of the 100 units, 15 will be reserved as affordable, or priced within 60 percent of the area median income.

Motif on Belden will feature a green roof with native plants, bike spaces along with a bike repair station and electric car charging stations, a fitness center and a fenced-in dog area called and a dog spa. The rooftop deck will have fire pits, grills, internet and cable access and scenic views, the outlet reported.

Lithgow is confident that the city’s residential scene has recovered from the pandemic, and there’s a demand for small apartments offering “big city living,” he told the outlet.

— Quinn Donoghue