Plans for old Waldo ice house expanded; multistory addition coming to the neighborhood

It’s long been an eyesore in the heart of Waldo, on one of the area’s busiest streets.

The one-time Waldo Ice House, for decades home to antique shops, was in such poor shape it would have to be demolished, said its new owners in early 2018. They planned a new 10,200-square-foot, one-story building.

Now those plans have greatly expanded.

A new 35,000-square-foot, multistory building will go up on the spot at 222 W. 75th St.

The first floor will have 4,800 square feet of commercial space, already leased to a medical office.

The second, third and fourth floors will have 33 apartments, 11 on each level — including studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units.

“Waldo is such a vibrant commercial district and it is ready for new apartments and there haven’t been any new apartments in forever,” said Diane Botwin of Botwin Commercial Development, which is developing the project with Andrew Ganahl. “There are so many wonderful amenities in the district, it is just a natural. I’m so excited for it.”

It will have 34 parking spaces in a lot behind the building, as well as commercial spaces on the east side.

Slaggie Architects is the architect for the project, and Haren Companies is the contractor. Construction is expected to start in early 2020 and be completed in spring 2021.

Botwin has developed and redeveloped several projects in Waldo, including the buildings housing Boru Ramen, Crows Coffee, Summit Grill, Johnny Kaw’s, and Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe, as well as the 7540 Washington Apartments that houses young adults aging out of foster care.

This story was originally published November 26, 2019 at 5:00 AM.