A demolition permit for the building currently situated on the corner of 53rd Street and South Dorchester Avenue was issued to developers late last month.
The two-story structure will be demolished and replaced by a seven-story boutique hotel from Olympia Companies and Smart Hotels. The currently nameless establishment will feature 100 guest rooms, a ground-floor eatery, and a roof deck for guests to enjoy. The Chicago firm GREC Architects will design the building.
The location fits with the recent residential theme of 53rd Street. The area acquired a new apartment complex, Vue53, not too long ago and may see another living complex soon: A 27-story residential tower has been proposed for the block’s 1600s area.
The University may also invest in the South Side’s sprouting hotel industry. According to DNAinfo, the University is seeking an operator for its own boutique hotel at South Dorchester Avenue and 60th Street. The Hyde Park Day School building is under consideration as a location.
