GW adds housing density to gain favor for $100M Portage Park plan 

GW Properties is adding housing density to its Portage Park project to change the minds of area residents who once opposed the firm’s proposal to redevelop the former People’s Gas site near the busy Six Corners intersection in the northwest Chicago neighborhood.

The Chicago-based firm led by partners Mitch Goltz and Shai Wolkowicki has revised its plans for the $100 million mixed-use project at 3955 North Kilpatrick Avenue, which previously received pushback from the community for its suburban feel and minimal density when it was first proposed two years ago, Block Club reported.

Now, GW wants to build four single-story retail buildings and a five-story apartment building with 354 units, whereas the previous plan called for 110 apartments. The project is also slated for 330 parking spaces in the 7-acre lot bounded by Irving Park Road, Milwaukee and Kilpatrick avenues. 

Residents of the Northwest Side neighborhood were more receptive to the revised development due to its added density, smoother design and tweaks to the retail portion. However, some concerns remain over potential traffic problems, minimal green space and the sharp increase of proposed units in the revised plan.

The apartment building would comprise studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, along with some three-bedroom duplexes. While rent prices have yet to be determined, GW principal and co-founder Mitch Goltz confirmed that they would be market rate, while a portion of the units would be reserved at affordable rates for households earning 60 percent or less of the area’s median income, following the city’s Affordable Housing Ordinance. 

Amenities would include a fitness center, a co-working room, a spa, a bike room and an outdoor terrace. 

“This site has been sitting for decades, it’s doing nothing for anybody with no community benefit,” Goltz told the outlet, adding that it would “bring new jobs, sales, residents.”

Retail tenants have not been finalized, but the developers envision a mix of 10 to 14 restaurants and shops. Previous proposed tenants, such as Amazon Fresh and Panera Bread, have been removed from consideration.

Despite lingering concerns, most neighbors have expressed support of the revised plans, with construction potentially commencing in the near future. Alderman Jim Gardiner of the 45th Ward is expected to work with the city’s Department of Transportation to address traffic issues. 

GW Properties still needs a zoning change and City Council approval to proceed with the project, which, if approved, could be completed by the end of 2026.

— Quinn Donoghue

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