George Street Pub Site Could Become 20-Unit Lake View Mixed-Use Building

Rendering of 2858 N Halsted St by Eckenhoff Saunders

CHICAGO - A new mixed-use proposal could bring more housing and retail space to a busy stretch of Halsted Street in Lake View.

Plans have been revealed for 2858 N. Halsted Street, located at the corner of N. Halsted Street and W. George Street. The project would replace the existing one-story commercial building and rear patio currently occupied by George Street Pub.

The proposal is being led by Contemporary Concepts Inc., with Eckenhoff Saunders designing the building.

What Is Planned at 2858 N. Halsted?

The proposed building would rise four stories and approximately 56 feet. It would run the full length of the site from Halsted Street to the rear alley.

The ground floor would include 1,367 square feet of retail space, a small residential lobby, and two residential units, helping keep the street frontage active.

The upper floors would include the remaining 18 apartments, bringing the full project to 20 residential units. The proposed unit mix includes 3 studios, 10 two-bedroom units, 6 three-bedroom units, and 1 four-bedroom unit.

Four of the apartments would be designated as affordable housing under Chicago’s Affordable Requirements Ordinance.

A Transit-Oriented Proposal With No Parking

One of the most notable parts of the plan is that it includes no on-site parking.

The site qualifies as a Transit Oriented Development location because of its proximity to the Wellington and Diversey CTA stations, along with nearby bus access on Halsted.

For Lake View, this reflects a larger development trend: smaller infill projects adding housing near transit, retail, restaurants, and walkable neighborhood corridors rather than prioritizing private parking.

Residents would have access to a large shared rooftop deck facing northeast. Only one unit is currently planned with a private balcony.

Design and Street-Level Impact

The building is expected to feature a multi-tone brick facade, with red brick detailing and black metal panel accents.

The design uses material changes to break up the building’s massing, a common approach for new neighborhood infill projects. The biggest change at street level would be the replacement of a longtime neighborhood bar and patio with a mixed-use building that keeps retail on Halsted while adding apartments above.

For buyers and residents, this type of project matters because it can shape how a commercial corridor feels. More housing can support nearby businesses, increase foot traffic, and reinforce demand for walkable Lake View living.

What Happens Next

The proposal still needs to secure full zoning approval before construction can move forward.

According to the 44th Ward, the development team is seeking a zoning change from B3-2 to B2-3 to allow the proposed building. No construction cost or timeline has been announced yet.

Until approvals are finalized, the project remains a proposal. Still, it is another sign that Lake View continues to attract smaller-scale mixed-use redevelopment along its busiest neighborhood streets.

The Takeaway

The proposal for 2858 N. Halsted Street would replace the current George Street Pub site with a four-story, 20-unit mixed-use building featuring ground-floor retail, affordable housing, and a shared rooftop deck.

With 0 parking spaces and a location near CTA service, the project fits the broader push toward transit-oriented housing in walkable Chicago neighborhoods.

For Lake View, the key question will be how the final plan balances new housing demand, neighborhood character, street-level retail, and the loss of an existing local business space.

Looking to Buy in Lake View or Chicago’s North Side?

Walkability, transit access, restaurants, retail, and nearby development can all shape long-term neighborhood value. If you are comparing homes in Lake View, Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, Northalsted, or nearby North Side neighborhoods, connect with The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier for local guidance on finding the right home and strategy.

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