Steps Taken to Preserve Bryn Mawr History

CHICAGO-Much later than first planned, a 15,000-sf building at Bryn Mawr and Winthrop avenues is likely headed for a facelift and interior rehabilitation. The city will seek proposals for a building at 1055 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., offering it to developers for a minimum bid of $200,000.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks is recommending landmark designation for two nearby multifamily buildings, the 12-story Bryn Mawr Apartment Hotel at 5550 N. Kenmore Ave. and eight-story Belle Shore Apartment Hotel at 1062 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Built in the 1920s, both buildings continue to be operated as apartments by Holsten Property Management, which also has filed plans for the former Walgreens outlet at 1055 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.

The former dug store is in the heart of the Edgewater community’s Bryn Mawr Historic District, and is now surrounded by new development such as townhouses ranging up to $750,000. The 67-year-old building’s art deco façade has been hidden by concrete cladding erected by recent owners. Besides restoring the façade, the developer will be encouraged to consider building a “green roof.”

Retail uses such as specialty stores, services and a restaurant also will be encouraged, according to the department of planning and development.

Besides tax increment financing, the developer also could qualify for a 10% federal rehabilitation tax credit, according to the department.

The minimum bid price was set by a limited-scope appraisal of the property, department officials add.

Low-income housing and historic tax credits were used to renovate both apartment hotels in 1999, says Brian Goeken of the department of planning and development, resulting in an award from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.