Plan Commission Approves Development at 7605 N. Paulina

Why It Matters

The project tackles Chicago’s shortage of affordable, family‑size housing while preserving a 1921 historic structure, signaling a model for inclusive, mixed‑use urban development.

Key Takeaways

• 80 affordable units, 15 studios to 20 three‑beds
• 60% of units for households earning 30‑80% of AMI
• Project preserves 1921 Werner Bros storage building
• $60 million development seeks unified B3‑3 zoning
• Construction slated 2026‑2028, adding 28 car and 80 bike spots

Pulse Analysis

The approval marks a tangible step toward easing Chicago’s chronic shortage of affordable family‑size housing. By earmarking 80 units for households earning between 30 % and 80 % of the area median income, the project directly addresses the gap that has left many essential workers priced out of the city. The development’s mixed‑use format—combining roughly 5,000 sq ft of street‑level retail with residential towers—promises to activate a previously underutilized corner of the Near North Side. Crucially, the plan retains the 1921 Werner Bros. storage building, marrying preservation with new construction.

The unit composition is deliberately diverse: 15 studios, 24 one‑bedrooms, 21 two‑bedrooms and 20 three‑bedrooms, with 10 % fully accessible and another 20 % adaptable for accessibility. Residents will benefit from on‑site amenities such as a community room, fitness space, laundry facilities, and generous bike storage—80 spaces compared with just 28 car stalls—encouraging sustainable commuting. Ground‑floor commercial space, estimated at 5,000 sq ft, is expected to attract local retailers, creating a neighborhood hub that supports both residents and small businesses.

The $60 million investment hinges on a zoning shift to a unified B3‑3 Planned Development district, a change that could streamline future infill projects citywide. With construction slated to begin in September 2026 and completion targeted for February 2028, the timeline aligns with Chicago’s broader housing agenda and the upcoming municipal budget cycle. If the Committee on Zoning and City Council endorse the plan, the development could serve as a template for leveraging historic structures while delivering affordable, workforce‑oriented housing in high‑density urban corridors.