Commuters traveling on the Brown Line in Chicago are witnessing significant changes along their route as foundation work advances on a new five-story, 48-unit rental building at 750 West Chicago Avenue, situated on the southern edge of Lincoln Park. Developer Base 3 received a full building permit on September 22, 2023, and construction activities, including pile-driving and excavation, are now prominently visible from the train tracks.
Project Overview and Timeline
By November, the once-quiet lot had transformed into a bustling construction zone. Equipment for piling, shoring, and site preparation has filled the area adjacent to the elevated train tracks as crews prepare for the full foundation work. The project is designed by Red Architects, with Base 3 serving as both the developer and general contractor. As the project transitions from demolition to early vertical construction, various details have been shared by Chicago YIMBY.
The firm’s founder, Gabe Horstick, describes Base 3 as a vertically integrated company, which allows them to manage both development and construction internally. This approach facilitates coordination among designers and contractors, particularly within tight urban environments. Horstick elaborated on this strategy in a recent episode of the Real Estate Chicago Style Podcast.
Amenities and Neighborhood Connectivity
The permits outline several amenities for future residents, including a shared rooftop deck, a 15-space parking garage accessible from the alley, and storage for approximately 50 bicycles. The ground level will feature roughly 2,300 square feet of retail space facing North Avenue. The residential units will comprise a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom configurations. While pricing details remain undisclosed, Base 3 aims for a completion date in spring 2027 for initial move-ins.
The location benefits from excellent transit options. The site is within walking distance of the Red Line service at North/Clybourn station and is served by CTA bus routes 8 and 72 at Halsted and North Avenue. This accessibility significantly influences the project’s modest parking availability and the emphasis on bicycle storage.
As foundation work continues, the project is expected to rise throughout 2026, provided weather conditions and permits align. Once completed, the five-story building will contribute a modest increase in rental housing and retail space to the bustling North Avenue corridor. As the construction progresses beyond the foundation phase, additional filings, renderings, and leasing information are anticipated to emerge.
