Lake View Neighbors Face Off Over Taller, Denser Building
A packed community meeting in Lake View last Tuesday saw residents debate a proposed 10-story mixed-use building at 3611 N. Halsted St., dubbed The Phoenix, with some expressing concerns over its increased density and height compared to the surrounding area.
Developer DLG Management is behind the project, which would bring ground-floor retail space, two floors of parking, and 188 apartments – including 38 affordable units – to the site. While supporters argue that Lake View needs more housing to combat rising rents, opponents claim the building's density would disrupt neighborhood aesthetics.
"We have to fill something on this land," said 46th Ward Alderman Angela Clay. "Our community needs the housing, and we want to do it collectively." However, some neighbors are worried about The Phoenix's proposed height of 140 feet, which they believe is too tall for the area. One resident noted that the building would make their nearby apartment complex, The Dakota, look incongruent.
When asked about the concerns, developer David Gassman pointed to rising construction costs as a factor in his decision to increase the project's density. "We started to look at construction costs and where it comes in once you set up a tower crane and start pouring concrete expensively," he explained.
Despite initial reservations from some residents, others see The Phoenix as a positive addition to the neighborhood. Kyle Ryan, who worked with Gassman on a previous project, called the building "fabulous" and argued that its height is not a concern. Instead, he sees the development as a much-needed solution to the area's housing shortage.
The city has 18 months to review the proposal, which could be completed by 2027 at an estimated cost of $70 million.
A packed community meeting in Lake View last Tuesday saw residents debate a proposed 10-story mixed-use building at 3611 N. Halsted St., dubbed The Phoenix, with some expressing concerns over its increased density and height compared to the surrounding area.
Developer DLG Management is behind the project, which would bring ground-floor retail space, two floors of parking, and 188 apartments – including 38 affordable units – to the site. While supporters argue that Lake View needs more housing to combat rising rents, opponents claim the building's density would disrupt neighborhood aesthetics.
"We have to fill something on this land," said 46th Ward Alderman Angela Clay. "Our community needs the housing, and we want to do it collectively." However, some neighbors are worried about The Phoenix's proposed height of 140 feet, which they believe is too tall for the area. One resident noted that the building would make their nearby apartment complex, The Dakota, look incongruent.
When asked about the concerns, developer David Gassman pointed to rising construction costs as a factor in his decision to increase the project's density. "We started to look at construction costs and where it comes in once you set up a tower crane and start pouring concrete expensively," he explained.
Despite initial reservations from some residents, others see The Phoenix as a positive addition to the neighborhood. Kyle Ryan, who worked with Gassman on a previous project, called the building "fabulous" and argued that its height is not a concern. Instead, he sees the development as a much-needed solution to the area's housing shortage.
The city has 18 months to review the proposal, which could be completed by 2027 at an estimated cost of $70 million.
. I've lived in Lake View for ages and seen the neighborhood change so much already. I get that we need more housing, but do we really need it to be so tall? It's gonna tower over our apartments and make them look like they're stuck in a sci-fi movie 
. And what about the parking situation? We don't wanna be stuck with 2 floors of cars taking up space from what could be community areas or more green spaces. I think we need to consider the bigger picture here. We can have density without losing our neighborhood feel 
.
. On one hand, proponents like Alderman Angela Clay are spot on in recognizing the need for increased housing to address rising rents – Lake View's affordability crisis is indeed pressing 
. However, it's equally valid that neighbors are rightfully concerned about the building's density and height, which could potentially alter the area's character and aesthetic 
.
. Ultimately, I think The Phoenix has the potential to be a valuable addition to the neighborhood if carefully managed, balancing housing needs with community input and careful attention to its impact on the surrounding area 
.
. But on the other hand, increasing density by 10 stories is a big change for the area... I've lived here for years and feel like we're already losing some of that neighborhood vibe 
. What's your take on this? Should The Phoenix bring more housing to Lake View or respect its historic character 
how can they justify doubling the size of a building in such a dense area? i mean, idk if anyone else has visited lake view but its so pretty as it is lol what's next gonna be 20 story high buildings everywhere?!
. 140 ft isn't that bad, imo 
. Kyle Ryan seems right on point w/ his "fabulous" assessment 
. lets get over The Phoenix & its denser/bigger plans! 
. But on the other hand, it's also valid to worry about the aesthetics and whether this 10-story skyscraper's gonna stick out like a sore thumb 
. You gotta consider both sides of the coin and find a way to make it work for everyone. I mean, if we're talkin' about a housing shortage, we need innovative solutions like this project. But at the same time, we gotta respect the community's concerns and figure out ways to mitigate any potential issues 
.
. You wanna get what you want (in this case, more housing), but you also gotta be mindful of how it affects the people around you. It's all about makin' smart decisions that benefit the community as a whole 
.
Some people are worried about how tall it'll stick out, but others think it's just what the area needs to keep up with rising rents. 188 apartments, including some affordable ones, could really help alleviate that issue. 
I mean, The Dakota next door will definitely be affected... 
Are we talking more about profit or trying to solve a real problem? 
it would bring in so many new people and businesses to lake view and help with that housing shortage we've been talking about. the affordable units are a huge plus too 
idk why some ppl are worried about the height, 140ft isn't that bad lol 
i think its actually kind of cool how the developer is trying to make it work with construction costs being what they are. let's just hope this thing gets built and brings in all the good stuff 
i mean what's wrong with a little density right? the phoenx seems like a good solution to my eyes... the extra 2 floors of parking is a game changer for me lol. i guess its all about balance, but at least we're trying to address the housing shortage 
like what's gonna change with another floor or two? and I get it, aesthetics matters but come on, we're in chicago, the city that never sleeps (or gets tired of new skyscrapers). plus 38 affordable units is a win-win in my book 
10 stories is a big jump from what's around there now, i get why some ppl are worried it'll make The Dakota look outta place 
. What really gets me excited is that The Phoenix could be a game-changer for the neighborhood 
what if this 10-story mixed-use building brings more life and energy to Lake View, making it a vibrant hub for residents and businesses alike? 
maybe we're so focused on preserving the status quo that we forget what's truly important: providing a place for people to call home