- Credibility:
CHICAGO — Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) has nixed a plan to turn a Steeterville condo building into a hotel.
The landmarked building at 227 E. Walton St. was designed by Chicago architect Harry Weese in 1956, but a developer wanted to turn it into extended-stay corporate suites, according to Curbed. The conversion would have required a zoning change.
In a Friday newsletter, Hopkins said he decided he was opposed to the zoning change after meeting with residents at the end of August.
“As residents of the neighborhood, your opposition to the project resonated loud and clear before, during, and after the meeting,” Hopkins wrote. “A hotel-use at this location would change the residential charm of the block spanning from Michigan Avenue and the Lakefront.”
Hopkins said his office will maintain an “open dialogue” with the owner to ensure the building, which has “historical significance,” is restored in a way “that preserves the residential character of the block.”
