"Developer" Fern Hill Proposes Massive Tower in the Heart of Old Town!
The development of a tower at the corner of North & Wells risks forever changing Old Town.
In response, residents, homeowners, businesses, and community groups formed a coalition to insist on a legitimate development plan that respects the scale and character of the neighborhood.
Here are a few things we are concerned about:
- A 460-foot-high building that would include 500 rental apartments
- Enormous traffic congestion, including 150 parking spaces with an additional 300 spaces for Moody Bible-use
- Current zoning does not allow for a tower of that density. Rezoning that corner would be the tipping point for Old Town as it would open the floodgates to build additional towers in the neighborhood
- The unknown – Fern Hill refuses to provide any substantive details. We lack information about traffic plans, use of the Treasure Island Space and future plans for the two gas stations Fern Hill owns, and so many other topics
About the OTFRD Coalition
Old Town Friends for Responsible Development (OTFRD) is a grassroots coalition of property owners, merchants, and residents that formed to preserve the character and charm of one of Chicago’s most historic and iconic communities. We don’t oppose development, but we want developers to respect the community and its neighbors.
OTFRD supports responsible development...
... however, as currently proposed, Fern Hill’s plans will overwhelm the community, cause traffic nightmares, and forever change the charm and character of Old Town. Any revised plans must include the following:
1) The density of the building and the proposed traffic plan must ensure that there is either no change in traffic or an improvement in traffic flow.
2) Five hundred units is unacceptable. This massive tower does not belong in the middle of Old Town. The developer needs to work with and not against the community to develop a structure that will support his business needs while not harming the community.
3) The building's height should be consistent with similar new construction in Old Town and no more than 8 or 10 stories tall.
4) The developer should work with businesses on a plan to ensure minimal disruption to restaurants and stores during construction.
5) The plans must include additional details on the gas stations, as well as restrictions on the use of the land and a timeframe for removing them.
Our Concerns
TRANSPARENCY: Over three years, Fern Hill has offered little detail to residents and businesses in Old Town. The community must be given a comprehensive plan and substantive details about the development before the Alderman or the City considers any proposal.
We lack information on so many topics including traffic plans, long term use of the Treasure Island space, and future plans for the two gas stations owned by Fern Hill.
DENSITY: We are not opposed to development at this site but the scale is staggering for Old Town. Constructing a towering 500-unit building will create a level of density that is unsustainable for the neighborhood.
TRAFFIC: Turning a crisis into a catastrophe is not acceptable. Old Town is already struggling to keep up with the existing traffic; any new development must make substantial efforts to improve the situation and not exacerbate it. The development must allow on-street parking to access local businesses and parks.
ARCHITECTURAL AESTHETICS: The community demands the use of reasonable height restrictions and building materials to preserve the character and historic architecture of the Old Town Triangle historic area. Old Town will quickly become New Town if developers continue to push modern structures that have no place in this historic neighborhood.
News and Updates
As a coalition member of Old Town Friends for Responsible Development, you can access updates and news here.
Questions About the Coalition?
We look forward to partnering with you!
Old Town Friends for Responsible Development
