Work crews were using the 111 West Chestnut excavation as a parking lot. Has to be a good reason for that, right?

The Chestnut Row Homes were approved by the Chicago Plan Commission way back in February 2015. And the commission didn’t just approve the Tawani Enterprises development. They raved about them.

The foundation permit, issued 9 months ago.

The City of Chicago filed a foundation permit for the project, at 111 West Chestnut Street in the Near North, on October 21. Dirt was dug, piles were driven.

And then…nothing.

Until now. Maybe. As 833 North Clark rises across the street, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse begins its foundations next door, and the Bush Temple project rolls along next to that, there’s activity at Chestnut Row Homes as well.

Part of the reason for the delay, or a result of it, could be a change in general contractors. Cordos Development is out. Berglund Construction is in. They’re job? Eight townhomes designed by Booth Hansen, each three floors, each with two private parking spaces. And these will be rentals, by the way. To the tune of about $15,000/month.

Tawani originally hoped to have these homes completed by now. 2017 is now the targeted finish.