Lincoln Parks Leon Hotel, A Former SRO Building, Could Be Redeveloped Into Apartments

The Leon Hotel at 2701 N. Clark St. may be redeveloped into a five-story building featuring 25 market-rate apartments and retail space. Plans include a mix of eight studios, eight one-bedrooms, and nine two-bedrooms, with five of the units designated as affordable to comply with city regulations. Originally built in 1915, the hotel was one of the last single-room occupancy buildings in the area, which have been declining in number.

The building was sold in May 2025 for $2. 7 million, and developer Mike Breheny seeks a zoning change to facilitate the redevelopment. Studio Dwell Architects presented the plans at a community meeting, highlighting the addition of a two-story structure and retail space. The design includes no car parking but provides indoor bike parking and a basement mechanical room. Approvals from Ald.

Timmy Knudsen (43rd), the zoning committee, and the full City Council are still pending. The redevelopment reflects ongoing changes in housing dynamics in Lincoln Park, where SROs have been disappearing since 2014.