Chic New Apartments and Iconic Theater to Open in Chicago’s Uptown

The Chicago Planning Commission has approved the construction of yet another new apartment building, and this one has me extra excited because of the bonus project that it’s being paired with. 

First things first – this new boutique apartment building will replace a surface parking lot at 4600 N. Kenmore, adding 62 much-needed new apartments in the Uptown neighborhood.

Here’s the extra-cool part – the parking lot that the apartment building will be constructed on belongs to the historic Wilson Theater, which stands right next door. And in news that’ll make live music-lovers absolutely freak out, the developer is also restoring and reopening the theater under a new name. And not just any name, but the iconic Double Door. Formerly located in Wicker Park, Double Door music nightclub was sadly evicted from its home in 2017, leaving a hole in the hipster music scene. And now, it’ll be back! 

So what kind of apartment building is coming to the northwest corner of Kenmore and Wilson? Since the developer has a collection of well-branded apartment buildings throughout Chicago, and the plans presented to the city were fairly detailed, we have a pretty good idea. 

Let’s dive in and take a peek.

Developer’s Chic Portfolio

Chicago-based developer Cedar Street Companies is behind the project. Primarily known for developing older buildings into modern-vintage apartments, this team is quickly adding new construction notches to their belt too. They have established a signature chic style for their collection of apartments, known under the umbrella brand FLATS. 

Cedar Street completed the gorgeous brand-new Rosie apartments in the Pilsen neighborhood earlier this year, and the impressive Bush Temple in River North – a two-tower apartment complex that combines old and new, in 2017. The rehab of this historic 1920s warehouse was later joined by an adjacent newly built second tower. 

Their work developing apartments in Chicago’s north side neighborhoods is keeping them pretty busy. Other nearby apartment complexes in Uptown include The Lawrence House, The Draper and The June.  

Developer and Designer Relationship

Cedar Street is partnering with a familiar friend for this project. Chicago-based Level Architecture is handling the design of 4600 N. Kenmore. The bulk of their work is multi-family and single-family residential buildings. Level Architects recently teamed up with Cedar Street on a couple of other apartment buildings – The Henry in Ravenswood and The June in Uptown. 

What’s Coming To 4600 N. Kenmore

Scaling down from their original 2016 proposal, the 2020 approved plans reduce the number of stories from eight to five, which make this a more residential neighborhood-sized building. The ground floor will have a 2,500 square foot retail space, a main entrance lobby, and a parking garage with spaces for 13 vehicles and 62 bicycles. 

The exterior will have a cool modern design, with street-facing facades along Winthrop, Kenmore and Wilson. The retail and lobby have huge floor to ceiling windows, while the parking garage is enclosed with dark gray cladding. 

Floors two through four feature exposed riveted panels that are covered in a unique geometric pattern. The top floor is setback and centered, creating open space around the perimeter for private rooftop terraces for eight of the units. A common outdoor space for all residents, as well as other amenities, are also on the 5th floor. 

The Apartments and Amenities 

The apartments will primarily be a mix of micro studios and one-bedroom apartments, with a few two-bedroom apartments on the top floor. Details have yet to be released about the interior designs and decor, but there’s no doubt that they will be in-line with the chic look that has become standard at FLATS apartments.

Here are my predictions on finishes: I think we can expect to see concrete or hardwood floors throughout. In the kitchens, I’m guessing light gray and white finishes and European or modern retro-inspired kitchen appliances. Rainfall shower heads and gleaming white tile in the bathroom. And less fancy, but the ultimate in convenience, in-unit washer and dryers in each unit. 

The plans show shared amenity spaces on the top floor including an indoor lounge, outdoor rooftop sun deck with greenery, and a dog run. That pretty well assures us that these will be pet-friendly apartments in Uptown! With Puptown Dog Park and Montrose Dog Beach nearby along the lakefront, you’ll have plenty of dog-friendly activities around the neighborhood.

Chicago’s Uptown Neighborhood Highlights

The Uptown neighborhood is home to several historic entertainment venues, tree-lined residential streets, the expansive Montrose Beach, and lots of diverse restaurants and cultural heritage. Notably, there are several authentic Asian and Ethiopian restaurants within a short walk from this new apartment building.  

Uptown is also home to healthcare and education centers, such as Weiss Memorial Hospital and Truman College. The apartments at 4600 N. Kenmore will be a convenient place to live for the local neighborhood workforce.

Getting around town will be super convenient from these transit-oriented apartments. The CTA Red Line Wilson Station is located just one block west, and buses run on all the nearby major streets. If you gotta get out of the neighborhood, Lake Shore Drive is easy for drivers to access within a couple of minutes.

What’s Near These Newest Apartments in Uptown

Uptown Neighborhood Employers & Universities 

• Weiss Memorial Hospital
• Thorek Memorial Hospital
• Methodist Hospital of Chicago
• Bridgeview Bank Uptown
• St. Augustine College
• Harry S. Truman College

The Closest Food and Entertainment

• The Green Mill
• The Riviera Theatre
• Aragon Ballroom
• The Baton Show Lounge
• Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine
• Lucy’s American diner
• In-On Thai 
• Agami Sushi
• West Argyle Street Historic District (Vietnamese, Thai, Cambodian, Asian restaurants)

Parks and Greenspace Within a Walk 

• Montrose Beach
• Lakefront Trail and recreation fields
• Chase Park and Pool
• Clarendon Park Community Center
• Aster Playlot
• Winthrop Community Garden

Close Grocery and Transit 

• Target 
• ALDI grocery store
• Jewel-Osco grocery store
• Ace Hardware
• CTA Red Line Wilson Station
• CTA bus routes on Broadway, Sheridan, and Wilson

Ready for a move to Uptown? We’ve got your back. Our team of knowledgeable leasing agents would love to help you find the perfect place in Uptown, or any of Chicago’s best downtown neighborhoods. Give us a shout and let’s get started.