A Room Without A View: New Building Goes Up Just Inches From Woman’s Window

Lucia Whalen found that an empty lot next to her Wicker Park apartment was replaced by a cinderblock wall and new parking structure, blocking natural light and preventing the use of her window as an emergency escape. She later met with Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st), representing the project developer, to discuss potential modifications, such as 'light alcoves' or rebuilding it entirely. The development team maintained that they followed zoning approval and building permits for the new construction.