The former Sportsland USA, located on Michigan Avenue east of Trumbull, is being developed into a mixed-use storefront with 2,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and 3 residential lofts above.
Owner Anthony O'Donnell will reside in the largest of the three lofts, 1,700 square feet that faces Michigan Avenue on the building's second floor. The rear second floor and third floor units will be rentals. The ground floor will also provide space for O'Donnell's wood- and metal-working studio.
A one-story rear addition to the building that is currently roof-less will be used for indoor parking. It will be covered by a green roof that can be accessed from the lofts.
O'Donnell hopes to "restore the storefront as close as possible to historically accurate as possible," although the interior will be gutted to provide for a "modern loft style."
Prior to its 30-year incarnation as Sportsland USA, a sports memorabilia store, the building had several uses: in the early 1900's as a tavern, in the 1920-40's as Trumbull Chevrolet and later as a used equipment store. O'Donnell is aiming for an office tenant, but one day hopes to operate his own store out of the building.
O'Donnell plans for the ground floor space to be ready for occupancy this summer and the lofts by the end of the year. The commercial space is currently listed by
O'Connor Real Estate and Development.
Source: Anthony O'Donnell, Sportsland USA
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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