Valdir Barion Tweaks North Side Apartment Development Plans

Developer Valdir Barion revised plans for an Edison Park apartment complex after being met with backlash from local residents.

The updated proposal calls for two four-story buildings, at 6750 North Northwest Highway, with a total of 82 units, 82 parking spaces and a courtyard, Block Club reported. Two ground-floor retail spaces are also on the table.

Despite changes to the plans, residents are still concerned that the project would be too dense in the North Side neighborhood.

When the previous version was proposed in October, community members criticized it because of excessive size, insufficient parking and architectural incongruity with neighboring structures. In response, Barion collaborated with Hanna Architects to overhaul the design, resulting in 40 fewer bedrooms and a one-story reduction in height.

Barion is offering a mix of 32 one-bedroom units, 36 two-bedrooms and 14 three-bedrooms. Parking provisions include 32 partially covered outdoor spaces and 52 indoor garage spots, with each building having its own garage, bike storage area and rooftop deck.

While some members of the local zoning committee commended the redesign efforts, acknowledging them as “radically different” from the previous proposal, others in the community remain skeptical. Critics argue that the density of 82 units on a 1-acre lot is excessive for the neighborhood’s character, suggesting downsizing without requiring a zoning change.

However, Barion defended the project, citing extensive market research indicating a demand for larger, upscale rental options in the area. Despite concerns about parking, the development qualifies as a “transit-served development,” allowing fewer parking spaces because of its proximity to the Edison Park Metra station, the outlet reported.

Discussions also touched on affordable housing requirements, with the developer planning to pay into a low-income housing fund rather than providing onsite affordable units. This decision has drawn criticism from advocates like Monica Dillon of Neighbors for Affordable Housing, who stressed the need for more affordable options in the community.

As the advisory zoning committee prepares to discuss the project with community groups, Alderman Anthony Napolitano said he appreciated the revisions, while noting the importance of balancing density with neighborhood character.

Pending city approvals, construction on the complex could start in about a year.

—Quinn Donoghue