808 W. Van Buren Groundbreaking Event

Even before construction began this past summer, representatives from the Special Service Area #16 have been building an important relationship with the latest newcomers to the Greektown neighborhood. Then, on October 4, 2017, Loukas Development hosted a Groundbreaking Event for the new 12-story project that is beginning to take shape on the corner of Van Buren and Halsted streets. The Van Buren (808 W. Van Buren), with its completion projected for November 2018, will offer 148-residential units and street level retail space.

Aristithis Loukas, Managing Director of Loukas Development, explained the vision behind The Van Buren. Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr., of Chicago’s 27th Ward, stated that he was pleased to see the long awaited development taking hold, citing job creation as one of the most necessary elements in keeping Greektown strong. Frank J. Caputo, Chair of the Special Service Area #16 Tax Commission, delivered the following remarks at this event.

I know, for many of us it felt like this day would never come. Following the fire in 2010 that destroyed Costa’s Restaurant, this property sat vacant for seven long years. During that time several established Greektown businesses were lost, including: the Greektown Grocery, Greektown Music, and most recently our beloved neighborhood bakery, the Pan-Hellenic Pastry Shop. Despite all of this, a renewed momentum is currently sweeping through the community…

This groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of construction on what is an important addition to Greektown. I look forward to working with you to guarantee the inclusion of Greek architectural elements into this façade. These elements will ultimately leave the overall impression to visitors of this area that this destination is one of culture and adventure. Situated as you are here, you now serve as a crucial part in the pair of properties which together form the Gateway to Greektown.

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