Permit Issued for Mixed-Use Redevelopment of Former Briar Street Theater

The project will convert the historic theater into retail and residential units with affordable housing.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:00pm

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A clean, modern isometric 3D digital illustration depicting a stylized mixed-use building with retail space on the ground floor and residential units above, floating on a pastel background and using bold colors and smooth textures to represent the redevelopment project.A conceptual rendering showcases the adaptive reuse and expansion of the former Briar Street Theater into a vibrant mixed-use development.Chicago Today

A permit has been issued for a mixed-use redevelopment project at 749 W. Briar in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Planned by developer JAB Real Estate, the project will convert the former Briar Street Theater into a mixed-use building with retail space, 66 residential units, and 14 parking spaces.

Why it matters

This project represents the adaptive reuse of a historic theater building, preserving an important part of the neighborhood's cultural heritage while adding new housing and retail to the area. The inclusion of affordable units also helps address the city's need for more diverse housing options.

The details

The redevelopment, designed by Moth Architects, will renovate the existing theater building and add three stories of residential units on top, as well as a five-story addition in place of the current surface parking lot. The ground floor will feature 1,200 square feet of retail space and a residential lobby, with 8 lofted apartments. The second floor will have a fitness center and 14 units, while the third through fifth floors will contain the remaining 44 one-bedroom, 19 two-bedroom, and 2 three-bedroom units. To meet the city's affordable housing requirements, 10 units will be included in the building, with the remaining 3 covered by a fee-in-lieu payment.

  • The building permit was issued on April 7, 2026.
  • A timeline for the start of construction has not been announced.

The players

JAB Real Estate

A Chicago-based real estate development company overseeing the mixed-use redevelopment project.

Moth Architects

The architectural firm responsible for designing the adaptive reuse and expansion of the former Briar Street Theater.

Midwest Heritage Builders

The general contractor that will oversee the construction of the mixed-use project.

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What’s next

With the building permit issued, Midwest Heritage Builders can now move forward with the adaptive reuse and expansion of the former Briar Street Theater.

The takeaway

This mixed-use redevelopment project represents an important investment in Lakeview's historic character and housing needs, converting a former theater into a vibrant new community hub with retail, affordable housing, and amenities for residents.