Construction Site, Boutique Hotel, Hyde Park

This weekend, when we were out running, Liz and I stopped near the construction site at 53rd and Dorchester. We had finished our run, gotten some coffee, and were just cooling off by taking a stroll down 53rd.

There have been plans for some time now, but the construction began a few months ago on a new, 98-room boutique hotel.

Another view, looking westward. Note the large Vue 53 building that opened last year, in the distance on the right.

To me, it does seem a little odd that we’d need another hotel in the area. There’s already a Hyatt, a few blocks away… so I’m unclear on where the demand is (or may be coming from).

Maybe folks are expecting more of an influx of visitors, once the Obama Library arrives? I dunno.

That said, I say bring it on! I’m happy to get more growth in our neighborhood, and delighted to see more activity along 53rd. I’m sure more people means more headaches, like greater congestion on 53rd (which is already pretty bad at times). I can also see our side streets switching to permit-based parking, with more cars coming in the area.

But with Metra looking to possibly increase service to Hyde Park, I’m hopeful we’ll be seeing an increase in visitors and interest in our area, in the years to come.

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