Proposed Lakeview apartment complex at historic Ann Sather building scaled back after community input

A proposal for a modern apartment complex at the site of a historic building in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood has been scaled down, following community feedback.

Local development firm Mavrek Development is behind the project, which seeks to rehab the historic building at 925 W. Belmont, home to the famed Ann Sather Diner, Belmont Army Vintage shop, and other retailers, according to Block Club Chicago.

The updated development plan would transform the building into a 10-story apartment complex with a modern glass facade, ground-level retail space, and other amenities. Renderings of the project show a darker brick facade and other updated aesthetic features, a stark contrast to the existing building’s classic Chicago brick facade.

According to Block Club, the original plan for the building included 11 stories, over 210 apartments, and 10,000 square feet for retail. The new plan includes a lesser 9,000 square feet of retail space.

The building would reportedly feature a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, as reported by Block Club, with up to 30 affordable units by zoning requirements. The building will also reportedly feature an outdoor deck, a gym, and a lounge.

Ald. Bennett Lawson told Block Club that the public response to the development plan has been largely positive, but some preservationists have expressed concern over the development.

Preservation Chicago has called on Mavrek Development to protect the piece of Chicago history by preserving the building’s facade and ensuring its long standing tenants are able to remain in the new complex. According to the advocacy group, it is unclear if the businesses occupying the building will be permitted to remain in the new retail space. Chicago’s beloved Ann Sather diner has called the building home since 1945, while the Belmont Army Vintage Shop has been in business there since 1975.

“Preservation Chicago would like to see the historic facades incorporated into the new development,” said the group in a statement.

“Additionally, we’d like to see special accommodations made to try to maintain the locally owned and operated stores and restaurants currently at the site. The concern is that following new construction high-rents will only be appropriate for national chain operators like those found across the street in the new construction building.”