Payless Lofts: Logan Square locals divided over affordable housing proposal

morris sachs.jpgA developer has floated a plan to convert the old Morris B Sachs building at 2800 N Milwaukee Ave into affordable housing for homeless people, according to a story in the Chicago Journal. The newspaper reports that this is one of several proposals for the 76-year-old building, which currently houses a Payless Shoe Store (photo from City of Chicago via the Journal). Some locals reportedly feared that the building would become a flop house for alcoholics and bring down the neighborhood. However, one resident argued that Logan Square has too many condos and not enough low-income housing.

The building is located in a preservation district, and Logan Square Preservation spokesman Ward Miller weighed into the debate saying his group supports affordable housing but thinks that a better use for such a tall, narrow, triangular building would be as an arts center for children or an office space for non-profits. “If you are looking to address families, you should have green spaces and courtyards and low buildings,” he reportedly said.

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