The former Beachwood Inn partially collapses in Wicker Park

Truck is releasing dumpster as City workers discuss next steps

Formerly the Beachwood Inn, 1415 N. Wood, the building partially collapsed Friday just after noon. There were no injuries. 

Beam sits at a diagonal

Crews were working on renovations of the former 65-year-old bar that was closed in April 2015. While working on the masonry for the windows, the major beam at the back end of the building gave way. 

The building stretches down Wood, starting at Wood

According to architect Jonathan Splitt, a vehicle had run into the building many years ago. He went on to say that the beam was rusted and that the damage, which just occurred, was so extensive that the wall will have to be replaced. 

"The southeast corner was damaged for several years and was in poor repair. An original I-beam that supported the 2nd floor was attached to that wall," explained Paul Dickman, a member of the Wicker Park Committee's Preservation and Development Committee. "As an educated layman, to me it was painfully obvious that that the first step should have been to repair the corner and support the beam, before working on the windows." 

Mike Nielsen

Neighbor Mike Nielson said that, so far, the collapse had no affect on his building. "It was a blessing that no one was hurt." 

Department of Buildings' workers were on the scene and indicated that they would be on site until it was secured.

Owned by 1415 N Wood, LLC with the contact as Timothy Glascott. Glascott, Glascott & Associates, owns other business and bar properties in the City. The Pioneer Tavern Group, which includes Dan McCarthy and Mark Domitrovich who are the owners of Lotties, Frontier and The Pony will be operating the tavern/restaurant.

According to DNAinfo in October, the new establishment is to be called Mae Belle Tavern & Grocery and will "feature a separate 'to go' element which will serve ​as the grocery, offering up made-to-order food items."