Developer Proposed Five-Story Apartment Building
A new housing development is planned for the vacant site at 1449 W. Devon Ave. in Chicago.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Commercial
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Developer Deborah Smith has requested a zoning change to construct a five-story apartment building at 1449 W. Devon Ave. The proposal would replace an empty 1945 commercial structure with 27 new residences.
Why it matters
The project aims to introduce new housing density to the area while repurposing a long-vacant commercial property. Six of the proposed units are set aside as affordable housing to meet city mandates.
The proposed 1449 W. Devon Ave. development includes nine studios, nine one-bedroom, and nine two-bedroom units. The site plan features five rear parking spaces and ground-floor bicycle storage.
The players
Deborah Smith
She is the developer who submitted the zoning change request for the 1449 W. Devon Ave. property.
The details
The development plan requires approval from the local alderwoman, the city zoning committee, and the full City Council. The existing single-story commercial building on the lot was built in 1945 and recently listed for $288,500.
Timeline
The existing commercial structure on the property was constructed in 1945.
The commercial property was listed for sale earlier in 2026.
Neighbors must submit their feedback on the project by October 16, 2026.
Culture Shift
This development aligns with urban infill trends that prioritize replacing aging, single-story structures with higher-density, mixed-use buildings. Such projects reflect broader shifts toward increasing housing supply in established metropolitan neighborhoods.
Residents have until October 16 to provide their feedback on the proposed building through the alderwoman's official online portal. The outcome of this feedback period will influence the upcoming zoning committee review process.
The takeaway
The proposed project serves as an example of how developers are increasingly targeting underutilized, older commercial lots for multi-family residential conversions. Neighbors are encouraged to utilize the formal feedback period to ensure their input reaches city officials.
Further reading
For more information on the local development environment, visit the Chicago Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Block Club Chicago.
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