Chicago Construction News staff writer
The April 2026 meeting of the Chicago Plan Commission will include review of a proposed planned development in Rogers Park alongside an informational presentation on updated residential infill guidelines.
In Rogers Park’s 49th Ward, VV Howard Paulina, LLC is seeking approval for a mixed-use redevelopment at 1646–1654 W. Howard St. and 7601–7623 N. Paulina St. The proposal calls for rezoning the site from B1-3 and B3-3 to a unified B3-3 district to support a larger redevelopment plan.
The project includes renovation of the existing Werner Bros Building for 20 dwelling units, as well as construction of a new eight-storey mixed-use building containing 60 residential units and ground-floor commercial space.
If approved, the planned development would include up to 80 dwelling units in total, along with 28 automobile parking spaces. The proposal also sets a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 3.5 for the site.
The project is being brought forward as part of the city’s planned development process, with materials and presentations expected to be made available in advance of the hearing.
In addition to the Rogers Park proposal, the Commission will also receive a citywide informational update from the Department of Planning and Development on draft residential infill guidelines intended to improve design standards for residential infill projects on city-owned land and provide clearer direction for developers navigating the approval process.
As of Spring 2026, DPD is managing approximately 90 land sale applications for residential infill development on standard 25’ & 50’ wide parcels (up to 8-flats) • Current applicants are proposing nearly 530 units in almost 170 buildings. Missing Middle Program • 3 Missing Middle application rounds have yielded 16 teams moving forward to build over 300 units in more than 100 buildings.
The April hearing will provide commissioners an opportunity to review both site-specific redevelopment plans and broader policy updates aimed at shaping future housing development across the city.
I live east of this area. Who in their right mind would want to develop in this area?!?! There are open air drug markets. The only way the city keeps a lid on this area is to have a constant police presence. Until the alder changes her tactics and sweeps out all the degenerates the area will not be inhabitable.