This intersection has a lot of potential for retail and residential developments. It is close to the expressway,the Blue Line, and Milwaukee north of Irving Park is pedestrian friendly (or easily could be). It will be interesting to see how these condos will affect the area, and also all the other constructions happening nearby on the boderline of Portage Park and Irving Park.

Interestingly, Marc Sussman mentioned that they were having trouble leasing the ground-floor retail space. Seems contrary to the neighborhood, methinks.

I think the main issue with leasing the retail space has been parking. There were some articles in the local Pioneer Press newspsper (RIP), that discussed the issues. Retailers were wanting a curb cut so cars could turn into the parking lot and others opposed this stating that it would make the area less pedestrian friendly.

I believe that many of the difficulties encountered in the renovation of this building is it's landmark or near-landmark quality. They didn't want to destroy too much of the original structural features in the interest of modernization.

Actually, they did an extremely poor job on the exterior, and in my opinion effectively ruined it. The replacement does not match the original in color, texture, or detail (the original had medallions and coping that gave the building its deco-style upward thrust, while this gives it more horizontality due to its mismatch) Compare: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mss2400/1017705084/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/bwchicago/2259754176/
"Built in 1934, at least to the best of our guess"? How could that possibly be unclear? A cursory search would tell you it was started in 1929. The building never had any kind of landmark protection, not even on the worthless color rating scale.

I am very pleased this project happened, but it is unfortunate that the building came out worse-looking. At least they did not hang balconies off it.