Construction Drama in Historic Filipinotown
Amidst the charming chaos of Historic Filipinotown, a local developer is in the throes of construction on a mixed-use apartment complex. Yes, folks, another day, another set of walls going up, reassuring us that civilization is striving forward—one overpriced studio at a time.
Now, this shiny new project at 2812 W. Temple Street is a slap in the face to that rickety century-old fourplex that once stood proudly, having survived everything from fashion faux pas to questionable haircut trends. Out with the old, and in with a six-story structure that promises 42 rental apartments. But don’t worry, there’s an “affordable” set-aside! Because nothing says “affordability” quite like paying a king’s ransom to live in a structure with pretty balconies.
The rendering showcases a podium-type building that looks like it studied minimalism at a fancy art school. Balconies? Check. Modern flair? Double-check. It’s the architect’s equivalent of telling your parents you’re “working on yourself” while making more lifestyle changes than a trendy influencer.
Behind this ambitious endeavor is the Schon Tepler Group, which has decided that if you can’t find enough apartments in Arlington Heights and Echo Park, you may as well stitch them together like a patchwork quilt of gentrification.
Just three blocks away, the saga continues where Linc Housing Corp. has recently decided to shake things up with their HiFi Collective—a fancy title for a five-story, 63-unit permanent supportive housing complex. Because who wouldn’t want their housing described as high fidelity? Nothing like permanent support to make you feel like you accidentally joined a tech seminar.
So, as construction dust swirls in the air and the potential for overpriced apartment living looms, we can only hope that these new developments bring more than just walls and houseplants but perhaps a smidge of humor and a pinch of humanity to the neighborhood. Until next time, keep your hard hats on and your wallets ready; the future looks moderately acceptable.
