The Chicago City Council has approved the rezoning of 160 N Morgan Street in West Loop. The approval clears the way for the bKL-designed structure to rise near the CTA Green Line Morgan stop, adjacent to the popular late-night spot Federales. Developer Sterling Bay continues to leave its mark across the once meat-packing neighborhood with the new mixed-use structure featuring ground-floor retail to complement the surrounding area.
Existing site conditions of 160 N Morgan Street by bKL
The 350-foot-tall tower was recently redesigned and introduced new architectural elements such as the Y-shaped braces at the base to free up pedestrian space and balconies at the upper levels for larger units. Rising 29 stories, 160 N Morgan Street looks to deliver 282 residential units split into convertibles, studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments of which 28 will be considered affordable. Residents will also have access to many amenities including a large covered outdoor space on the fifth floor and a rooftop pool.
Contextual rendering of 160 N Morgan Street by bKL
Future tenants will be able to use the 89 vehicle parking spaces including eight electric vehicle charging stations and any of the over 100 bicycle parking spaces offered on site. For those without a car, the developer has added a 15-minute standing zone to the front of the building for easy pick-up and drop-off. To achieve the desired density, Sterling Bay is using part of the Floor Area Ratio of the adjoining 180 N Morgan Street and paying nearly $2 million to the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund.
Elevations of 160 N Morgan Street by bKL
The change from C1-2 Neighborhood Commercial District to DX-7 Downtown Mixed-Use District and Residential-Business Planned Development, will allow the tower to move forward with permitting including demolishing the existing one-story bank building on the site. Upon ground-breaking, Sterling Bay expects the project to be completed in 24 months.
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Chicago’s reinvention rolls on……