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

Chicago, ILLocal News

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.

Related Articles

360,000 Illinois Residents To Lose Food Assistance Due To Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, Pritzker Says

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that over 360,000 residents will lose food assistance due to changes in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under President Trump's recent legislation. The law imposes work requirements for recipients and shifts funding burdens to states, jeopardizing support for vulnerable populations in Illinois.

5 Must-See Theater Shows To Check Out In July

Chicago theaters feature five must-see shows in July, including Tony Kushner's "Angels in America" and H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds." The events range from a seven-hour spectacle to an improv festival, showcasing the city's vibrant arts scene. For those interested in magic, the Chicago Magic Lounge offers an intriguing weekly performance.

Some Puppy Yoga Classes Too Cute To Be True And Are Using Mill, Breeder Dogs, Rescue Says

Nonprofit One Tail at a Time warns that some puppy yoga classes in Chicago source dogs from puppy mills. The Puppy Yoga Club Chicago faces multiple citations for operating without the necessary licenses and for advertising the sale of puppies. Concerns arise as the studio is linked to breeders known for poor conditions.