Vision for new synagogue in Edgewater with housing, retail takes shape

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Chicago developer Fern Hill is set to revamp the 70-year-old Emanuel Congregation synagogue at 5959 N. Sheridan Road, transforming it into a mixed-use development featuring apartments, retail space and housing. The $100 million project, led by Andrew Degenholtz of Fern Hill's executive committee, aims to create a vibrant and inclusive community hub.

According to the proposal, a 12-story U-shaped building would be constructed adjacent to the synagogue, including parking, commercial space, studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, social halls, offices, and event spaces. The project would also include an additional five-story building on the west side of Sheridan Road with apartments, classrooms and community facilities.

Design firm Eckenhoff Saunders has unveiled a detailed design that promises to blend seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood. A circular motor court for pickup and drop-offs is planned, as well as expansive views of Lake Michigan from retail space below. Fern Hill believes the site's density would be comparable to nearby properties, making it a more conservative option.

The development will include 80 affordable units under the city's Affordable Requirements Ordinance, available to those earning 60% of the area median income. The congregation can expect a chapel and sanctuary in the taller building, along with social halls and offices. A balcony overlooking Lake Michigan is also part of the design.

While the concept has generated some hesitancy among congregants, Fern Hill assures that this is an iterative process designed to elicit comments and feedback. Community meetings will be held in February, with Ald. Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth's office set to gather input from constituents.

If approved, construction would proceed in phases, starting with the smaller five-story building on the west side of Sheridan Road. This initial phase is estimated to take around 12 months, while the larger U-shaped building could take up to 15 months to complete.

While not without controversy, Fern Hill's plans aim to create a vibrant community space that honors Emanuel Congregation's rich history and fosters greater inclusivity in Edgewater.
 
I'm low-key intrigued by this project 🤔. I mean, who wouldn't want a sleek new development next to an old synagogue? It's like Fern Hill is trying to put a hipster spin on historic preservation 😊. The idea of affordable units for those earning 60% of the area median income sounds like a good starting point, though. Can't say I'm sold yet, but it's a step in the right direction 🚶‍♀️. What I do know is that this project could bring some serious life to Edgewater – and who doesn't love a vibrant community hub? ⛅️
 
I'm all about mixed-use developments nowadays 🤩! I mean, can you imagine living above your favorite store or cafe? It's like having the best of both worlds. And I love that Fern Hill is including affordable units – it's so important for communities to have options for everyone.

The design looks super sleek and modern, especially with those expansive views of Lake Michigan 😍. But what I'm really excited about is the chapel and sanctuary in the taller building – it'll be like having a piece of history right in your backyard! Plus, the social halls and offices will probably make great spaces for community events.

Of course, there's always some pushback from people who are attached to the old way things were 💔. But Fern Hill seems really open to feedback, which is awesome. I hope they can get everyone on board because this could be a real game-changer for Edgewater 🌆.
 
This is defo an interesting one 🤔. I mean, I'm all for a little gentrification, but you gotta wonder what the congregation really wants. Like, they're gonna have 80 affordable units, that's a start, right? 🤞 But are they sure this is the way to go? The design looks nice and all, but let's be real, it's still a big building in a neighborhood that's trying to stay chill 😎. I guess only time will tell if this project is gonna be a win or a loss for everyone involved 🤝.
 
omg i no why fern hill hasnt thinkin bout da environment lol dey wanna build this huge U-shaped building and 5-story one on the west side, but havent even considered if it's gonna harm da lake michigan views 🌊😔 i mean, its def gotta be a big change for da community, and i hope dey r thinkin bout all da affordable units tho, cuz dat's wut matters most 2 me 👍💸
 
Wow, can't believe they're gonna turn a synagogue into a mixed-use development 🤯. I think it's interesting how they're planning to incorporate affordable units and community spaces, it shows Fern Hill is really committed to making this project inclusive 💡. The design sounds pretty cool too, the views of Lake Michigan are supposed to be amazing 😎. Community meetings in February? That's a good move to gather feedback from congregants 🗣️. Fingers crossed it all comes together without any major issues 🤞
 
🤔 so this chicago developer guy is trying to turn an old synagogue into some kind of mixed-use building with apartments and shops... I'm not sure if it's a good idea, to be honest 🏠💸. On one hand, it sounds like they're doing the community a solid by adding affordable units and all that jazz 💕. But on the other hand, isn't this just gonna make the place way more crowded and commercialized? 🤷‍♂️ I mean, can you imagine walking down Sheridan Road and seeing some tall building with apartments on top of an old synagogue? It might look nice in the design pics, but what about when it's all done and people are living there? 😳
 
I think this project is a perfect example of how gentrification can go wrong when you're not careful 😕. I mean, on one hand, it's awesome that they're including 80 affordable units, but on the other hand, we gotta wonder if the prices are gonna sky-rocket and push out long-time residents who can't afford to stay in their own neighborhood 🤔. And what about the character of Edgewater? Are they really gonna sacrifice the community feel for a fancy new development? I'm all for progress, but let's make sure we're not just building another luxury high-rise that displaces the people who need it most 💸. We should be having this conversation about affordability and gentrification, not just about preserving the synagogue 📚.
 
I'm so done with all these new-age developments coming up everywhere 🤯. Like, remember when we used to have those old-school synagogues with a certain charm to them? I mean, this 70-year-old Emanuel Congregation is already pretty historic, and now they wanna tear it down for some fancy apartments and shops? It's just not right 😔.

But at the same time, I get why they're doing it - the area is getting all gentrified and whatnot. And those affordable units are a good idea, I guess 🤷‍♀️. It's just gonna be weird seeing that old synagogue turned into some sleek glass and steel monstrosity 🌆.

I swear, back in my day we had community centers and stuff that actually served the community, not just some fancy development with a bunch of overpriced condos 💸. Anyway, I guess it's all about progress and keeping up with the times... but sometimes I wish things would stay old-school for once 😊.
 
I'm kinda thinking about this mixed-use development as a reflection of our society, you know? We're always trying to balance progress with preserving the past 🤔. It's like when we upgrade an old house, but still wanna keep some of those original vibes 🏠💫. Fern Hill's project is doing just that - taking the existing synagogue and adding new life to it, while still respecting its history 🕊️.

At the same time, I wonder if we're creating too much density in our neighborhoods? We want community hubs that are inclusive, but are we sacrificing some of that personal space in the process? It's a trade-off, right? 💭

And what about affordability? 80 units at 60% AMI is a good start, but how many more affordable options do we need? How can we ensure everyone has access to these community spaces? 🤝
 
I gotta say, I think this is a solid move for the neighborhood. They're trying to preserve the old synagogue while still making it work with some modern changes 🤔. The fact that they're including 80 affordable units is huge, I mean, it's not like they're just gonna gentrify the area and push out the regular folks 😬. It's a win-win for both the congregation and the community at large. Plus, having some new businesses and apartments around will definitely boost the local economy 💸. Of course, I can see why some of the congregants might be hesitant, but Fern Hill seems to be really listening to their concerns 🗣️. Fingers crossed they get it right and create a space that's both vibrant and inclusive 👏.
 
looks like they're trying to preserve the old synagogue while still bringing in some new life to the area 🏠💼 might be better than tearing it down, but only time will tell if it'll really work out 👀
 
This sounds like a really cool project! I love how they're trying to revamp the old synagogue into a mixed-use development that still respects its history. The idea of an affordable housing unit component is super awesome too, especially with 80 units available for those who need it most 🤗. I'm curious to see how the design firm has blended the new build with the existing neighborhood - it sounds like they're going for a really cohesive look. Let's hope the community meetings go smoothly and everyone gets a chance to share their thoughts! 😊
 
omg i love this idea 🤩🏙️ fern hill is totally on the right track by incorporating affordable units & preserving the synagogue's charm 🕊️ meanwhile, the design firm did a fab job blending modern vibes w/ old-school elegance 🎨 i'm curious to see how it'll all come together - fingers crossed for a smooth construction process 💪
 
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