Community Pressure Saves the Tianguis Block

 

In the fall of 2005, Logan Square residents and merchants mobilized to protect the 2700 block of Milwaukee Avenue from demolition and out-of-scale development. When Ald. Rey Colón called a meeting about the block, 400 people attended. 18 months later, the community’s voice has led to victory.

The community wanted to preserve the unique assets located between Sawyer and Spaulding avenues, including the Tianguis supermarket, 15 storefronts with moderate rents and 52 affordable apartments. A developer sought to demolish the entire site and replace it with six stories and 160 condominiums.

While they continued to organize, LSNA leaders worked with an architect to create an alternative proposal. The developer rejected this proposal, and—after a long standoff—decided not to pursue the project.

The family that owns the property recently took it off the market. “We are delighted that the Diaz family has decided to maintain ownership of the property,” said Delia Ramírez, president of LSNA. “We look forward to working with them to preserve and enhance this special block at the heart of Logan Square.”