Rumors Fly at Abbott Hotel, Residents Fear Early Eviction

Not long after news broke that the Abbott Hotel in Lake View would be transformed into a more modern housing facility, residents say they’re worried about an early eviction.

Joined by the Lakeview Pantry, Lakeview Action Coalition has scheduled a press conference at 1 p.m. Monday in front of the Abbott Hotel at 721 W. Belmont Ave. Officials plan to ask questions and address a large number of complaints they’ve received from hotel residents, including some about early eviction.

Sreya Sarkar, director of education and advocacy at the Lakeview Pantry, says two months ago she heard that Abbott was closing in March for renovations. However, now she said hotel residents believe it will be much sooner.

“We have about 20 clients at the Abbott Hotel, and they called to say they heard rumors the hotel was closing the 31st of December,” Sarkar said. “They weren’t given a notification or a flyer, but residents are nervous that they might have to move out soon.

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“Three weeks ago they shut down the cable," Sarkar continued. “Then they moved to week-to-week payments, and now the clerk is telling new residents it’s day-to-day. … These are the tactics they’re using before they close.”

When apartment investor BJB Partners LLC purchased the hotel, Sarkar says residents received a flyer notification about a relocation opportunity to Foswyn Arms Apartments in Edgeweater. However, Sarkar says that housing facility wasn’t designed for couples or families, and an alternate solution wasn’t provided.

Sarkar said the LAC and Lakeview Pantry have been calling BJB and Ald. Tom Tunney’s office to get answers, but representatives with BJB have been unresponsive and the alderman’s office has been “vague.”

Chief of Staff Bennett Lawson said they haven’t heard when the official closing date of the SRO will be, but the Abbott Hotel’s management is working with residents to find them a place to live.

“Whatever their decisions are, there’s no reason why everything should be so hush-hush.”

“We are aware that the Abbott has been sold and the new owners are planning to rehab the property at some point in the near future,” Lawson said in a statement. “We have not received word that there is a closing date for the hotel, but understand that the management is working on a case-by-case basis with the residents to secure alternative housing as opportunities become available. As always, our office will also assist with applications for anyone who qualifies for senior, veterans or low-income housing options.” 

Sarkar says her team is simply frustrated because their clients need answers, especially with the cold weather making potential homelessness an even more dire situation.

“Whatever their decisions are, there’s no reason why everything should be so hush-hush,” Sarkar continued. “That’s why were are going to have this press conference – to get information.”

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