Long-Awaited Wicker Park Apartment Tower Moves Closer to Construction

A long-discussed development in Wicker Park is showing new signs of life after years of delays. A construction permit has officially been issued for a 13-story apartment building at 1628 W. Division Street, signaling that the project is finally moving toward breaking ground.

The proposal, led by RDM Companies, has been in the works since receiving zoning approval back in 2019. The development will bring 121 residential units to a site that is currently used as a surface parking lot, located just steps from the busy intersection of Division and Ashland.

The project has undergone several changes over the years. Earlier plans called for a taller structure, but the design was ultimately scaled back to 13 stories. Its location near the Division Blue Line station makes it a prime example of transit-oriented development, a trend that continues to shape new construction across Chicago.

Despite the recent progress, the project has not been without controversy. Since its initial approval, some neighbors have raised concerns about the building’s height, potential shadows on nearby properties, traffic congestion and overall impact on quality of life.

At one point, efforts were made to reduce the scale of the development through a proposed zoning change, but that effort did not move forward. More recently, the site received a “low affordability community” designation, which can allow developers to access incentives in exchange for including affordable housing units.

City officials have confirmed that the project is actively moving through the permitting process, which keeps it in compliance with zoning timelines despite delays in construction. A tower crane permit is still pending, and nearby residents have received notices indicating that excavation work could begin in the coming weeks.

Community discussions are also expected to continue, with local officials working to coordinate meetings between the developer and neighbors to address concerns and outline the construction timeline.

For those following new developments in Wicker Park Chicago, this project reflects both the demand for housing in high-access areas and the challenges that can come with building in established neighborhoods. Its proximity to public transit, retail corridors and downtown access makes it a highly desirable location, even as debate continues over its scale.

As the permitting process advances, the long-delayed tower appears closer than ever to becoming a reality, marking a significant step forward for one of Wicker Park’s most closely watched development sites.

Stay Connected

Ranked among the top 1% of real estate teams in the Chicagoland market, Cory Tanzer and the Cory Tanzer Group are experts in helping buyers and sellers navigate today’s market across Downtown Chicago, the North Shore, and the Western Suburbs. Recognized for their neighborhood expertise in areas such as University Village, University Commons, South Loop, and Pilsen, the team helps clients stay one step ahead by understanding where the Chicago market is headed next.