Mavrek wants resi redevelopment of original Ann Sather building 

Adam Friedberg wants to replace a commercial building in Lakeview, housing beloved Chicago small businesses, with a residential highrise.

Friedberg’s firm, Mavrek Development, plans to redevelop the low-rise brick structure at 925 West Belmont Avenue into an 11-story, 210-unit apartment building with 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, Block Club reported. 

The property’s tenants include restaurant Ann Sather and clothing store Belmont Army Vintage, which have been in business at that location since 1945 and 1975, respectively.

The proposed development, designed by Eckenhoff Saunders, would rise 120 feet, comprising a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom units. Of the 210 units, 42 would be reserved as affordable housing, as required for rezoning. The design features a brick facade at street level transitioning to glass on higher floors.

Renderings depict amenities such as outdoor spaces on the second and 11th floors, a dog run, gym and lounge. In addition, the complex would offer just 36 parking spaces, as its proximity to the Red and Brown lines enable a reduced parking requirement. A bike parking room is also planned. 

Despite the project’s upside, concerns linger regarding the fate of existing tenants. Belmont Army Vintage reopened last year following a fire in the building, the outlet said.

Mavrek still needs approval from Alderman Bennett Lawson, the city’s Zoning Committee and City Council for the project to move forward. The developers are set to present their plans during a community meeting at Ann Sather on Monday.

—Quinn Donoghue 

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