R.I.P, 6425 N. Rockwell

The lot is fenced, the backhoe is waiting in the wings and this 80 year old building is headed to the landfill. Maybe it will end up next to the remains of the Nortown Theater. Say goodbye to another piece of West Ridge history.

Going...going...

...and very soon to be gone. After years of neglect and decay, a permit for demolition of the Nortown Theater was issued on June 7. Driving by this morning, it appeared that work has already begun.

The developer's plans call for construction of a five story condo and commercial building in its place. Unlike the high quality brick masonry construction going up throughout the city, this project will be primarily painted cast-in-place concrete.

Although the development will include parking for the condos (just under one space per unit), it will not provide any parking for the commercial space due to a generous manipulation of the zoning requirements by Alderman Stone.

Another sad day in the 50th Ward, and another piece of West Ridge history headed to the landfill.