Project Report: Residential Development at 2237 W. Roscoe

Executive Summary

A new residential development project by Garner Development has been approved for 2237 W. Roscoe. The project involves the demolition of an existing structure to be replaced by a four-story condominium building. This report details the project’s specifications and analyzes its contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting sustainable urban environments, economic growth, and resident well-being.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The project directly supports the goal of creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban settlements.

• Urban Redevelopment: By replacing an older three-story building with a new four-story structure, the project exemplifies urban infill development, making efficient use of existing city land and infrastructure.
• Housing Supply: The development adds six new, large-family housing units to the city’s housing stock, contributing to Target 11.1 by increasing the availability of adequate shelter.
• Modern Infrastructure: The new construction is poised to meet modern building codes, contributing to the development of resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The architectural design incorporates features that promote the health and well-being of its future residents.

• Spacious Living Conditions: The provision of large four- and five-bedroom layouts helps prevent overcrowding, fostering a healthier living environment.
• Access to Private Outdoor Space: Each condominium includes a large outdoor terrace, providing residents with private access to fresh air and green space, which is beneficial for mental and physical health.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The development serves as a catalyst for local economic activity and job creation.

• Employment Generation: The project will create employment opportunities through its demolition phase (led by Brophy Excavation) and the subsequent construction phase.
• Local Investment: The development represents a significant investment in the local community, stimulating economic growth.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The project contributes to building resilient infrastructure and embracing modern residential design.

• Infrastructure Upgrade: The construction of a new building replaces aging infrastructure with a modern, more efficient residential facility.
• Innovative Amenities: The inclusion of private elevator entries for each unit represents an innovation in multi-family residential design, enhancing accessibility and convenience.

Project Specifications and Timeline

Key Stakeholders

• Developer: Garner Development
• Architect: a+c architects
• Demolition Contractor: Brophy Excavation

Architectural Details

• Building Height: Four stories
• Unit Count: Six condominiums
• Unit Layouts: A mix of four-bedroom and five-bedroom configurations
• Parking: A ground-floor garage with 12 parking spaces (two per unit)
• Amenities: Large outdoor terraces and private elevator entries

Regulatory Approvals and Timeline

1. Zoning Board Approval: The project received approval for key variations.
   • The rear setback was reduced from the required 30 feet to 2 feet.
   • The maximum building height was increased from 36 feet to 39.58 feet.
2. Demolition Permit: A permit has been issued for the demolition of the existing three-story building on the site.
3. Projected Completion: Unit deliveries are anticipated for Summer 2026.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

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

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This goal is the most relevant as the article focuses entirely on an urban residential development project. It discusses the construction of new housing, land use, and the role of municipal planning bodies, which are central themes of SDG 11. The article mentions a “residential development,” “new construction,” and approval from the “Zoning Board of Appeals,” all of which fall under the purview of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  This goal is connected through the development of new infrastructure. A residential building is a key piece of social infrastructure. The article details the “new construction” of a “four-story residential development,” which contributes to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation in the construction and real estate industries.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The project described in the article stimulates economic activity and creates employment. The involvement of multiple entities such as “Garner Development,” “a+c architects,” and “Brophy Excavation” signifies economic investment and job creation in the construction, architecture, and demolition sectors, contributing to sustained economic growth.

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

1. Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.

   The article directly addresses the creation of new housing. The project will build “six large condominiums,” contributing to the city’s housing stock. While the description of “large outdoor terraces and private elevator entries” suggests these are high-end units rather than affordable housing, they still fall under the scope of providing “adequate” and “safe” housing.

2. Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.

   This target is relevant because the project required and received “approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals.” The article specifies that the board “approved variations to reduce the rear setback… and to increase the building height,” which is a direct example of the “human settlement planning and management” process that governs urban development.

3. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure…to support economic development and human well-being.

   The construction of the “four-story residential development” is an example of developing quality infrastructure. This new building is designed to provide housing, a fundamental component of social infrastructure that supports human well-being.

4. Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through…labour-intensive sectors.

   The construction industry is a labor-intensive sector. The project, involving demolition by “Brophy Excavation” and new construction by “Garner Development,” directly contributes to economic productivity and employment within this sector.

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

• For Target 11.1:

  A direct indicator is the number of new housing units created. The article explicitly states the project will add “six large condominiums” to the housing market.

• For Target 11.3:

  Indicators of urban planning and land use management are present. The article provides specific data points, such as the approved increase in building height from 36 feet to 39.58 feet and the reduction of the rear setback to 2 feet. The replacement of a “three-story building” with a “four-story residential development” also indicates an increase in urban density on the site.

• For Target 9.1:

  An indicator is the number of new infrastructure projects. The article describes one new residential building project at 2237 W. Roscoe.

• For Target 8.2:

  An implied indicator is the level of economic activity and investment in the construction sector. The article mentions the involvement of at least three distinct companies (“Garner Development,” “a+c architects,” “Brophy Excavation”), which can be used as a proxy for job creation and economic engagement.

4. Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: chicago.urbanize.city