Valdir Barion forges ahead with Edison Park apartments amid objections

Residents still wary of project’s density and parking provisions

Contentious Edison Park Resi Project Gains Ground
Developer Valdir Barion with development site at 6750 N. Northwest Highway in Chicago (Google Maps, LinkedIn)

After going back to the drawing board, developer Valdir Barion has cleared a major hurdle for a two-building apartment complex in Edison Park, despite backlash from local residents. 

The 41st Ward Zoning Advisory Committee unanimously approved Barion’s proposal to build an 82-unit complex at 6750 North Northwest Highway, sending it to 41st Ward Alderman Anthony Napolitano for review, Block Club reported

Barion recently revised his plan in response to locals’ concerns about excessive size, insufficient parking and architectural incongruity with neighboring structures. Barion collaborated with Hanna Architects to overhaul the design, resulting in 40 fewer bedrooms and a one-story reduction in height. 

Yet, some residents still believe the 82-unit project is too dense, while others deemed the changes sufficient and see the project’s potential to revitalize the area. 

Although opponents are still wary of parking provisions, Barion has addressed those concerns, with 32 partially covered outdoor spaces and 52 indoor garage spots planned for the development. Rents are projected to range from $1,885 to $2,552 for one-bedroom units and approximately $3,770 for three-bedroom units.

Sign Up for the undefined Newsletter

In addition, each building is set to include ground-floor retail space and a courtyard. Some have suggested reallocating retail space for additional parking, citing recent closures of neighborhood establishments.

“Something’s going to be built whether we like it or not,” Napolitano said during the meeting. “I’m hoping you guys in the room can figure out something that works for our neighborhood, because if it goes downtown [to city council], it’s not going to be what you want.”

Proponents view the project as a potential catalyst for revitalizing Edison Park, which has seen the departure of several local businesses in recent years. With city approvals and permits, construction could commence as early as spring 2025, the outlet reported.

—Quinn Donoghue

Read more

Valdir Barion Tweaks North Side Apartment Development Plans
Development
Chicago
Barion’s revised Edison Park apartment project still facing resistance
Alderman Jim Gardiner Rejects Margolins’ Apartment Proposal
Residential
Chicago
Alderman rejects 40-unit apartment proposal in Jefferson Park
Fern Hill Pursues 256-Unit Apartment High Rises on Motor Row
Development
Chicago
Fern Hill pivots from hotel to multifamily high rises on Motor Row 
Recommended For You