Developer Proposes 35-Unit Ashland Avenue Apartments
James Fox seeks a zoning change from Ald. Andre Vasquez for a five-story building at 5036-44 N. Ashland Ave.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Apartments
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Developer James Fox has proposed a five-story apartment building with 35 units at 5036-44 N. Ashland Ave. The project would require a zoning change, and separately, demolition of the former Leona's restaurant at 6929 N. Sheridan Road for an 80-apartment building has largely concluded.
Why it matters
The proposal adds to a series of apartment projects on Ashland Avenue, including two previously approved developments on the same corridor. Seven of the proposed units would be affordable under city guidelines, and the project's approval path runs through the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards and the full City Council.
The proposal includes 35 apartments, with seven designated affordable under city guidelines, 14 car parking spaces and 35 bicycle spots. Proposed two-bedroom rents would range from $2,500 to $2,800, while one-bedroom units would rent for under $2,000; whether the zoning request will be approved has not yet been decided.
The players
James Fox
James Fox is the developer behind the proposed five-story Ashland Avenue apartment building and the project that includes the demolition at 6929 N. Sheridan Road.
Ald. Andre Vasquez
Ald. Andre Vasquez is the Chicago alderman whose approval is required for the zoning change requested for the Ashland Avenue project.
The details
Fox is asking Ald. Andre Vasquez for a zoning change to build the Ashland Avenue complex, which would have a residential ground floor with no commercial space. Separately, a demolition permit for the Sheridan Road site was issued to the project developer last month, and demolition of the single-story building there has largely concluded ahead of a planned five-story, 80-apartment building with ground-floor commercial space.
Timeline
2019: Leona's restaurant at 6929 N. Sheridan Road closed and has been mostly vacant since.
January 2023: Bill Morton was cited after inspectors visited a campaign event at the former restaurant.
2024: A proposed restaurant for the Leona's site stalled due to the building's deteriorating condition.
2025: City Council approved an Ashland Avenue apartment project at 5054 N. Ashland Ave.
Earlier in 2026: City Council approved a second Ashland Avenue apartment project at 5636-40 N. Ashland Ave.
Market Context
The seven affordable units in the proposed Ashland Avenue building reflect Chicago's affordable housing guidelines, which the two earlier Ashland Avenue apartment projects approved in 2025 and 2026 also had to meet.
Renters in Andersonville and Rogers Park could see new apartments with 35 and 80 units if the projects proceed, with seven of the Ashland Avenue units affordable under city guidelines. Prospective tenants should note that the proposed two-bedroom rents of $2,500 to $2,800 are not yet final and depend on the zoning decision.
The takeaway
Neighborhood apartment proposals on Ashland Avenue are moving through the zoning process, so residents interested in the outcome can follow the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards. Watching for affordable-unit counts and rent levels in final approvals offers a clearer picture of what new buildings will charge.
Further reading
For more on the city's rental market, see Chicago Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Block Club Chicago.
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