Palmer Square (Chicago), Illinois
4,860 sf / Historic Renovation + Addition
Expected completion 2026

The architects behind Via Chicago purchased this neglected two-flat in early 2025, and will serve as both architect-and-developer behind a creative reuse of the building. Located just two blocks from our Armitage studio, it presents a valuable opportunity to introduce new housing units in a community that is very publicly struggling with an accelerating loss of 2- and 3-flat buildings as they are converted into oversized single-family homes.

Palmer+ will carefully restore the unique exterior features of this two-flat — a unique blend of iron spot brick with extra-thin “butter joints” in a matching mortar color, the ornate wood porch columns, and the infamous powder-blue cornice. The interior apartments will be fully renovated, and a new garden apartment with its own private entry will be re-introduced to the lower level. Owner-occupied two-flats are increasingly difficult to maintain, when faced with skyrocketing land costs beneath each property. To make the project financially viable, the project will use the corner location and extra-deep lot size to add a new townhouse-style, owner-occupied unit at the rear of the historic building. This addition will include a strong brick base, contextual window sizing & rhythm, and a compatible massing that reflects the eclectic low-rise character of the block. The top level will feature a metal cladding that continues the architectural statement established by the oversized metal cornice on the historic structure.

It’s easy to talk about a problem — much harder to address it head-on. The reborn corner of Palmer + Albany will be a tangible example of Logan Square’s ability to evolve without losing its roots.

Architecture & Interiors: Via Chicago
Developer: Via Chicago
General Contractor: VMR Remodeling Inc.
MEP Engineer: STREAM Engineering