Lakeview TOD project starts

Optima, Inc. has said that it has started construction on Optima Lakeview. The construction is a  seven-story transit-oriented development (TOD) of 198 apartments with street-level retail in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. The building permit application states that the developer/architect is acting as its general contractor.

The developer says the project at 3460 N. Broadway, “will reinvigorate the neighborhood by replacing a shuttered Treasure Island grocery store and parking lot.” Optima executive vice-president Matthew Cison is listed as the owner. On Sept. 22, a $60,000 building permit was issued.

The permit says it covers “foundation design for the Phase 1 installation and operation of a Manitowoc MD485 Temporary Tower Crane, as per plans.” The project’s overall value is not specified either by the developer nor the building permit. Architect and Optima CEO David C. Hovey Sr. said in a statement, “With over 40 years of experience developing in Chicago, we know how exceptional design can enhance a community, so we’re excited to develop the first Optima building in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.”

Hovey Sr. added, “With Optima Lakeview, we’ve incorporated design cues from the surrounding area’s architecture while still staying true to the modern design aesthetic Optima is known for, resulting in a forward-looking building grounded in Chicago sensibility. Both inside and out, Optima Lakeview is very much about drawing people in and helping them stay connected – either with the surrounding community or within the building itself.”

The project is scheduled to be completed in 2022. Optima Lakeview will feature 198 one-, two- and three-bedroom rental units and nearly 14,000 sq. ft. of commercial space fronting Broadway. Hovey said in a statement that there will be 40,000 sq. ft. of amenities.