It never ceases to amaze me how much sand was left behind when Chicago decided to move the shore of Lake Michigan eastward. Turns out, it’s easier to build on sand than on water. I still don’t know exactly how far west the lake used to reach (Ashland Avenue-ish, I’ve heard), but venture past a Lake View construction site and you’ll get an idea.
Such is the case at 3036 North Sheffield. Two multi-unit residences have just been demolished to make room for a new five-unit condominium development here. On October 10, both buildings still stood. Now, demolition contractor Land Enterprises has knocked them down, hauled off the rubble, and begun digging into the never-ending sand pit that will be the construction site. Think of ii like a sand box, without the fun. Or a sandlot, without the baseball and gigantic drooling dog.
The new project, a three-story building with a basement and a rooftop deck, will include a detached five-car garage at the rear of the property. Interestingly, the home that used to occupy the north half of the construction site, 3038 North Sheffield, was at the back of the lot, as if it was a coach house. But according to the demo team, there is no sign of any foundation or other remnants of a “main” residence at the front of the lot. It appears the driveway in front of this house had always been there.
And you know, I could have been wrong earlier. Maybe the dude operating the excavator *is* having fun in that sand box. The guy with the shovel? Maybe not.
Building Up Chicago 