The 800 block of N. Lawrence St. has gone through some big changes in the last few years. A couple of one-off projects have replaced vacant lots and older buildings, and a delayed condo building is finally up as well. Half of the Duck Flats project has replaced a large vacant lot. On the west side of the block, Seventeen at Lawrence is moving along well, with the Orkney Street side framed and sheathed and framing underway for the side on Lawrence Street.
Across the street from Seventeen at Lawrence, we previously told you about plans at 825 N. Lawrence St. for two new homes with garages on Lawrence Street and an additional pair of homes fronting Leithgow Street. At the time, developers from Callahan Ward were negotiating changes to the project with Northern Liberties Neighbors Association, as the group didn't like the garage element on Lawrence Street. With all the development these guys have done in the neighborhood, we figured they'd come up with a compromise that worked for everyone. And they did!
After multiple conversations with the community group, the developers axed the plan for garages on Lawrence Street and eliminated the homes on Leithgow Street. The current proposal is for two duplexes for a total of four units on Lawrence Street. On Leithgow Street, plans call for four parking spots. The developers went to the ZBA earlier this month and are waiting for a decision but got a preliminary vote of 2-1 against the project. They're still waiting for the votes from the other two members of the ZBA, so the project could still go either way. With a mix of multi-unit and single-family properties on the block and considering the extensive work with the community to conceptualize the project, we hope that approval is forthcoming.