Still waiting for the second phase of Theater District Lofts in Uptown
Posted 1/30/2008 by Patrick Rollens
Uptown Update, a blog dedicated to news and commentary from the 46th Ward, published a nice check-in on the Theater District Lofts' second phase, which is still moving forward at 4750 N Winthrop Ave. The project has stagnated considerably since Yo wrote about it back in 2006.
According to the post, developer Jim Gouskos has closed on the purchase of the parking lot across the street from the Aragon Ballroom (the titular "theater" in the project's name) and decently close to the Riviera and Uptown theaters. But it's a high-rise concept, as evidenced by the snazzy renderings, and that's sure to rankle neighbors in dense Uptown.
Despite the lengthy development cycle, Gouskos has remained active in Uptown's theater district. An article in Crain's today describes a second venture between Gouskos and the owner of the Aragon to purchase a vacant tract at 1063 W Lawrence Ave and build a mixed-use cinema and parking complex on the site.
If everything comes together, this latest element of the project will likely bring a strong mixed-use core to what would otherwise have been just another high-rise in Uptown.
Theater District Lofts' Web site shows just a handful of unsold units remaining in the 21-story high-rise.
Comments
1/30/08
UptownR said:
This looks like a great project that will add a lot to the Uptown community! It remains to be seen what the architecture will actually be, but the renderings are promising.
James Cappleman said:
The community owes a lot to Mr. Gouskos. His commitment to that area really helped turn it around. He was here long before it was popular to do such an exciting venture as this, so I wish nothing but the best for him and this project.
One thing you can say about Mr. Gouskos… he loves his community and he's proud to live here.
irishpirate said:
Hey,
What buildings that are newish do you like?
You have high standards.
Aqua?
Trump?
Any smaller buildings you like?
You are right on the Gouskos development. Should be well received and I like the look of the rendering.
paulj said:
A higher density project makes a lot of sense at this location. The rendering looks great, the actual might look cheap like 550 St. Clair. Hopefully it will have reflective glass more like 600 N. Fairbanks which is stunning from the exterior. I have not seen the interiors yet.
Alan said:
What street does that [terrible] parking podium face? I think it will end up like 55 St. Clair.
1/31/08
irishpirate said:
The terrible parking podium faces Lawrence.
By the way at least by the rendering it ain't that terrible. Much better than my grammar.
Uptown78 said:
The parking podium faces Winthrop. This building is behind the current development that is on Lawrence. The top renderings shows people entering and exiting the building on Winthrop.
irishpirate said:
Nevermind………
2/1/08
UptownR said:
IP, was your question directed at me? If so I can e-mail you if you want to continue the discussion.
10/15/08
UptownPost27 said:
Hello uptown residens, Jim Appleman and UptownR
Mr Jim Couskos has said that the building will not be built. He has not anwered any calls to his office and HAS not refunded money to the buyers of this failed project.He has lied to the buyers and the community. Is there any one out there that can assist buyers that have been scammed by Jim Gouskos. This man has taken investors money and will not refund their down payments.