New Life for a Vacant Lot: Mixed-Use Development Green-Lit for 2652 W. Chicago Ave.

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Town · July 17, 2026

West Town's Chicago Avenue corridor is about to get a little less gap-toothed. A new mixed-use development at 2652 W. Chicago Ave. has cleared a major hurdle, with the Chicago Committee on Zoning officially approving the project — paving the way for a fresh five-story building to rise on a corner that's sat dormant for years.

The site, located at the corner of North Washtenaw Avenue, previously housed a vacant Advance Auto Parts store and its parking lot — hardly the kind of landmark that defines West Town's vibrant streetscape. Developer Barrett Home, working with architect 360 Design Studio, landed on a final design after extensive community feedback shaped earlier proposals around density, parking, and unit mix. The approved plan calls for an L-shaped, five-story structure that hugs the streetfront, with a small parking lot and garage tucked in the rear totaling 23 spaces — a thoughtful nod to neighbors' parking concerns.

It's exactly the kind of infill development that turns underused urban eyesores into community assets, and signals continued confidence in Chicago Avenue as one of the city's most dynamic commercial corridors. With West Fest kicking off on this very stretch tonight (July 17–19!), there's never been a better moment to celebrate what West Town is — and get excited about what it's becoming. Keep an eye on that corner, neighbors — good things are coming!

Sources:
1. https://chicagoyimby.com/2026/05/zoning-progresses-for-mixed-use-development-in-west-town.html
2. https://chicagoyimby.com/2026/02/developer-returns-with-downsized-schemes-for-west-town-project.html