Full building permit issued for development at 936 W. Leland – Urbanize Chicago

Report on Residential Development at 936 W. Leland and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Project Overview

A full building permit has been issued for a new residential development at 936 W. Leland. The project, planned by West Leland Avenue LLC and designed by ORG, will transform a vacant midblock parcel into a five-story residential building. This $9.5 million development represents a significant investment in urban renewal and sustainable community growth. Construction will be managed by D.O.M. Properties Investment Inc.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The development at 936 W. Leland is strategically aligned with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating a commitment to responsible urban development.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • Target 11.1 (Safe and Affordable Housing): By constructing 32 new residential units on a vacant lot, the project increases the local housing supply. The diverse unit mix, ranging from studios to a three-bedroom apartment, caters to various household sizes and needs, contributing to a more inclusive community.
  • Target 11.2 (Sustainable Transport Systems): The design strongly promotes sustainable transportation by providing 36 bicycle parking spaces while limiting car parking to just six spaces. This encourages residents to adopt healthier, low-carbon transit options.
  • Target 11.3 (Inclusive and Sustainable Urbanization): This project is a prime example of infill development, which makes efficient use of existing urban land and infrastructure, preventing urban sprawl and promoting compact, walkable city design.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • The inclusion of an on-site exercise room and private balconies for all units directly supports the physical and mental well-being of residents.
  • By encouraging cycling, the development helps reduce local air and noise pollution from vehicle traffic, contributing to a healthier environment for the entire community.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • The $9.5 million investment stimulates the local economy by creating jobs in construction and related industries, fostering economic growth and productivity.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • The use of durable materials such as precast concrete, masonry, and utility brick ensures the construction of resilient and long-lasting infrastructure capable of withstanding environmental stressors.

Building Design and Specifications

The 77-foot-tall structure has been designed to maximize functionality while supporting sustainability objectives.

1. Residential Unit Distribution

   The building will contain 32 units with the following breakdown:

   • 6 Studio Apartments
   • 11 One-Bedroom Apartments
   • 14 Two-Bedroom Apartments
   • 1 Three-Bedroom Apartment
2. Amenities and Common Areas

   Ground-floor amenities are designed to enhance resident quality of life and promote sustainable habits.

   • A resident lobby, mail room, and exercise room.
   • A secure bicycle room with capacity for 36 bikes.
   • A parking garage for six vehicles, accessible from the alley.
3. Construction Materials

   The facade materials were selected for durability and aesthetic quality.

   • Primary Facade (Street-Facing): Precast concrete fascia, precast concrete piers, fluted masonry, and aluminum-framed windows.
   • Secondary Facades: Primarily composed of utility brick.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the new residential development at 936 W. Leland connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by describing a project that contributes to urban infrastructure, housing, and sustainable living. The primary SDGs addressed are:

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The article details the construction of a new building, which is a fundamental piece of urban infrastructure.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: This is the most relevant SDG, as the project involves creating new housing, utilizing vacant urban land, and promoting sustainable transportation within a city.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the details provided, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services. The article’s focus is the construction of a new building with “32 residential units,” directly addressing the supply of housing in the city.
   • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all. The design includes a “bike room with 36 spaces” versus only “six car parking spaces.” This disproportionately high number of bicycle spaces for 32 units actively encourages a sustainable mode of transportation over personal car use.
   • Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization. The project is being built on a “currently a vacant site” within an existing urban area. This is an example of infill development, a key strategy for sustainable urbanization that prevents urban sprawl by making efficient use of already serviced land.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being. The “$9.5 million development” represents a significant investment in creating new, quality residential infrastructure. The inclusion of features like an exercise room and ample bike storage enhances its quality and sustainability, contributing to resident well-being.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• For Target 11.1 (Housing): The primary indicator is the “number of new housing units created,” which the article explicitly states is 32.
• For Target 11.2 (Sustainable Transport): The indicators are the “number of bicycle parking spaces provided” (36) and the “ratio of bicycle parking to residential units” (36:32), which demonstrates a commitment to promoting non-motorized transport.
• For Target 11.3 (Sustainable Urbanization): An implied indicator is the “development of vacant urban land.” The article states the project is on a “vacant site,” which measures progress in land use efficiency.
• For Target 9.1 (Infrastructure): A direct indicator is the “total investment in new infrastructure,” which the article specifies as “$9.5 million.”

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: chicago.urbanize.city