This interesting-looking building (along with its awkward sibling to the left) will replace the Lakeside Motel at 5440 N Sheridan Rd in Edgewater. Before we begin discussing the Booth Hansen design, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the passing of the Lakeside Motel, which was demolished in 2005.
I never had the pleasure/horror? of spending any time at this establishment, but it appears that those who did either loved or hated it, with a passion.
My favorite review would have to be the one from the guy talking about the bullet-proof receptionist’s window, possibly blood-stained shower curtains and the sign, “prostitutes will be prosecuted.”
What did people like about Lakeside Motel? It was a little cheaper than many motels and lured tourists by promoting itself as “close to Wrigley Field,” although locals could perhaps have steered them to some closer and better motels.
Judging from pictures of the motel, it had a cheesy sensibility that was reminiscent of coastal resort motels in the seventies and eighties. I must have been too preoccupied with sandcastle construction to notice the hookers.
One thing a lot of locals liked about Lakeside Motel was that it was low rise and didn’t block their view of the lake – unlike the new condo high-rise 5440 N Sheridan Rd, which is 15 stories high.
The development, by The Bluewater Companies, is seriously interesting. The housing options include 129 condos, two four-story maisonettes, four California modern courtyard patio homes(?) and three four-story townhomes. We’re intrigued. The developer hasn’t returned our calls but we hear prices range from the $200s to the $800s. We’ll keep you posted.
In the meantime, we want to hear reactions from the ‘hood. Killian over at our Edgewater neighborhood journal attended a neighborhood meeting where the developer explained the location of the different units.
Booth Hansen’s design should be a very attractive addition to a skyline that is eclectic at best.