Robert Darrow, @properties

Archive for the ‘Clybourn’ Category

Grossinger Auto Sales has filed a zoning application to build a five-dealership auto mall on the site of the former Expo Design Center located at 1500 North Dayton – just south of the intersection of North Ave., Halsted and Clybourn.

Residents of nearby Old Town had been concerned that the auto mall would be located on Wells Street at the site of the former Tower Oldsmobile. Alderwoman Vi Daley (43rd) considers the new site “more appropriate than Wells Street.” Considering the residential and recreational nature of Wells Street today, your guides completely agree.

Though the Clybourn Corridor is home to a myriad of retail destinations, the auto mall site sits immediately next door to the new SoNo development currently under construction. Smithfield development is near groundbreaking on two towers of residential condominiums with 550 one, two and three bedroom units plus retail space on the ground floor.

Though your guides find the idea of living in a vibrant area with a variety of retail options nearby, the automobile-centric nature of this retail corridor makes us just a bit wary of living this/close to an auto-dealer, (an already existing) car wash, and the busy parking lots that serve the Sams, Best Buy, Circuit City, Crate & Barrel, etc.

Your Guides have read about a massive push of new development along Clybourn Avenue – this time moving south from North Avenue towards Division. (MAP)

New development along Clybourn and nearby streets such as Kingsbury and Dayton may make the shopping district comparable in square footage to some enclosed malls such as North brook Court or Westfield Fox Valley.

We look on in astonishment at the massive growth in the area. Generally we’re supporters of development and the highest and best use for real estate. As we occasionally must actually DRIVE through this area, we’re being very cautious in our anticipation of the new growth.

An interesting fact: Whole Foods, which barely opened its store along Clybourn two years ago is considering a move south onto Kingsbury, doubling the size of the store.

One sorely needed improvement: the conversion of the now-empty site of the former Expo Design Center which resembles an abandoned 6-story parking garage into a luxury auto dealer and service facility. Your guides were sceptical of the viability of the massive SoNo Development at North & Clybourn, but with the new development in the area, these new homes will be surrounded by vibrant shopping, restaurants and all kinds of professional offices.

Check back for progress updates, photos and traffic reports.