Chicago Developer Seeks Approval for 10-Story Lake View Tower Amid Community Backlash
A contentious plan for a mixed-use tower in Chicago's affluent Lake View neighborhood has sparked heated debate among residents. The proposed development, dubbed "The Phoenix," would see the construction of a 10-story building at 3611 N. Halsted St., roughly doubling its original planned height.
Developed by DLG Management, which acquired the vacant lot for $4.28 million in October 2024, the project has been touted as much-needed housing to combat rising rents in the city. However, some neighbors fear that the tower's increased density would compromise the area's unique character and aesthetic.
While some residents support the addition of more housing, others remain concerned about the building's size and impact on the neighborhood. The Dakota, a nearby landmark, was described as "incongruent" with the proposed tower due to its significantly shorter height of 70 feet.
Despite these concerns, project owner David Gassman maintains that the updated plan addresses community worries by increasing the affordable unit ratio and adding more parking spaces. Additionally, the building would feature ground-floor retail space, a cafe, and amenities such as a lounge, fitness room, and terrace on the penthouse level.
Gassman attributes the increased tower height to rising construction costs, citing the need to balance affordability with development expenses. The project's estimated timeline is 18 months, with completion expected in 2027 at a cost of around $70 million.
The city's approval process for the zoning change will determine the fate of The Phoenix. As Chicago continues to grapple with affordable housing shortages, it remains to be seen whether this ambitious development will become a model for future growth or a symbol of over-development in the Lake View neighborhood.
A contentious plan for a mixed-use tower in Chicago's affluent Lake View neighborhood has sparked heated debate among residents. The proposed development, dubbed "The Phoenix," would see the construction of a 10-story building at 3611 N. Halsted St., roughly doubling its original planned height.
Developed by DLG Management, which acquired the vacant lot for $4.28 million in October 2024, the project has been touted as much-needed housing to combat rising rents in the city. However, some neighbors fear that the tower's increased density would compromise the area's unique character and aesthetic.
While some residents support the addition of more housing, others remain concerned about the building's size and impact on the neighborhood. The Dakota, a nearby landmark, was described as "incongruent" with the proposed tower due to its significantly shorter height of 70 feet.
Despite these concerns, project owner David Gassman maintains that the updated plan addresses community worries by increasing the affordable unit ratio and adding more parking spaces. Additionally, the building would feature ground-floor retail space, a cafe, and amenities such as a lounge, fitness room, and terrace on the penthouse level.
Gassman attributes the increased tower height to rising construction costs, citing the need to balance affordability with development expenses. The project's estimated timeline is 18 months, with completion expected in 2027 at a cost of around $70 million.
The city's approval process for the zoning change will determine the fate of The Phoenix. As Chicago continues to grapple with affordable housing shortages, it remains to be seen whether this ambitious development will become a model for future growth or a symbol of over-development in the Lake View neighborhood.
like seriously who cares if its gonna fit 10 more people in that tower? we need more affordable housing options ASAP, not some fancy-schmancy building with a bunch of retail spaces to cater to tourists 
The Phoenix might bring in some fresh faces and amenities, but at what cost to our community spirit? 
It's like, don't get me wrong, more housing is needed but do we really need it that tall?! 
The area already feels super crowded. And what about the aesthetic? I love The Dakota btw 
. Can't they just stick with something a bit more modest? 
Maybe David Gassman should take some feedback from the community and scale it back a notch. Fingers crossed, though! 
i get that they wanna add more housing but 4.28 mil for that lot? sounds like overpriced to me 
and what about those affordable units? are they really gonna be super cheap or just a marketing gimmick 
. And what's with the increased height, anyway? Can't they just leave some character in the neighborhood? I've lived around here for years and it feels like everything is getting gentrified. The last thing we need is another soulless skyscraper that'll just push out all the quirky little shops and cafes we love 
.
. I guess what I'm saying is, let's take a step back and think about what we're really building here: a bunch of luxury condos or actual community spaces that benefit the people who live here? 
. Have you tried their unique flavors? I had this amazing matcha green tea with sesame seeds last week and it was insane! Anyway, back to Chicago... I don't know what's more concerning about The Phoenix plan - the increased height or the fact that they're going to have a lounge on the top floor 
The city is trying to address this issue but I'm not sure it's enough. The cost of construction just went up and now they're pushing for more units, it's just a never-ending cycle. 
... and meanwhile, the people who actually live in lake view are being priced out of their own neighborhood 
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- seriously tho, 10-story is kinda crazy & i think it's gonna be super ugly if u ask me 
Anyway, I guess the city will decide if it's cool with the new tower or not... fingers crossed it doesn't ruin the vibe of Lake View 
plus, $70 million is a lot of cash... hope it doesn't turn into another gentrification nightmare 
. I get that they want more housing and all, but can't we just balance it out? It's like, The Phoenix sounds cool and all, but is it really necessary to bump up the height so much? And what about The Dakota, man? That place is iconic, you know? 
. And let's be real, 18 months is a pretty short timeline for something that big... fingers crossed everything works out