West Town's Building Boom Rolls On: Two Fresh Developments Signal Big Things for Chicago Avenue and Grand Avenue
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Town ·
West Town's momentum as one of Chicago's most in-demand neighborhoods shows no signs of slowing down, with two brand-new construction and development milestones making headlines this week alone.
First, the Chicago Committee on Zoning has officially approved a mixed-use proposal at 2652 West Chicago Avenue — a significant green light for a stretch of the neighborhood near its western edge. The project, developed by Chicago-based Barrett Homes and designed by 360 Design Studio, would replace the former Advance Auto Parts building and its surrounding parking lot with a five-story, L-shaped structure housing 57 residential units — including four studios, 40 one-bedrooms, and 13 two-bedrooms — plus a ground-floor commercial storefront along Chicago Avenue. Notably, approximately 11 of the units will be designated as affordable, a meaningful win for housing access in a rapidly evolving corridor. Meanwhile, on Grand Avenue, a Northbrook developer has received a permit for a brand-new four-story, four-unit residential building at 1853 West Grand Avenue, continuing a wave of thoughtful infill development along one of the neighborhood's most active streets.
Taken together, these projects reflect a West Town that is growing with purpose — adding housing, street-level retail, and community-minded investment block by block. Want to stay informed about how development shapes your neighborhood? Connect with 1st Ward Alderman Daniel La Spata's office to share your voice in the conversation!
Sources:
1. https://chicagoyimby.com/2026/05/zoning-progresses-for-mixed-use-development-in-west-town.html
2. https://www.chicagobuildexpo.com/industry-news-1/plans-revealed-mixed-use-development-2652-west-chicago-avenue-west-town
3. https://chicagoyimby.com/2026/05/four-stories-four-units-authorized-for-1853-west-grand-avenue-in-west-town.html