A development to transform the former Logan Square Recovery Center into a 42‑unit apartment building is now proceeding, officials said Tuesday. The project, aimed at adding residential density to the Logan Square neighborhood, marks the next step for a site that has remained empty for several years.
Neighborhood residents have been monitoring the effort to repurpose the vacant building, which has stood unused since the recovery center closed. The approval of the conversion plan follows discussions with the community about how the new housing could fit into the existing streetscape and address local needs for additional homes.
The proposed apartment building will contain forty‑two separate units, a figure that city planners say will modestly increase the housing stock in the area. By converting an existing structure rather than constructing a new building, the project also seeks to revitalize a dormant property and improve the overall appearance of the block.
City officials highlighted that the development aligns with broader goals of encouraging higher residential density in Logan Square, a neighborhood that has seen steady growth in recent years. The addition of new apartments is expected to bring more residents to the vicinity, potentially supporting local businesses and contributing to the neighborhood’s economic activity.
The former recovery center, located in the heart of Logan Square, has been a prominent but unused landmark. Its conversion into housing represents a shift from institutional use to private residence, reflecting changing priorities for land use in the community. While details about the timeline for construction were not released, the approval indicates that work on the project could begin in the near future.
Community members expressed cautious optimism about the change, noting that a functional, occupied building could enhance safety and vibrancy on the street. The project stands as an example of how vacant properties are being reconsidered for new purposes in Chicago’s evolving urban landscape.