New details have been revealed for the mixed use redevelopment of 465 W Cermak Road in Chinatown. Located directly on the south branch of the Chicago River and on the intersection with S Canal Street, the multi-story structure has seen its fair share of redevelopment proposals in the last few years with none coming to fruition yet. Years after 465 W Cermak Road was proposed to be turned into residences, then into a hotel with a home furnishings store, now Aurora-based Windfall Group is set to try again with a change in plans as it now becomes known as Pacifica of Chicago.
Historical image of double leaf rolling bridge via City of Chicago
Rising six stories above ground, the massive W.M. Hoyt warehouse building was erected in 1909 for the namesake grocery wholesaler. Designed by Nimmons & Fellows, the Prairie-style structure is located within the Cermak Road Bridge District which houses the city’s only double leaf rolling bridge. Now the area is well known for the Jefferson Square marketplace and Radius Chicago music venue, all within walking distance from the heart of Chinatown.
Current view of 465 W Cermak Road via Loop Net
The 280,000-square-foot building will be cleaned and restored, with the installation of new windows having been started by the previous owner who planned for over 200 hotel rooms on the top floors. The new plans, though vague, include a large retail component with riverfront access, education, dining, food hall, spa, and a grocer, all of which will be topped by over 100 residential units. Serving as a community destination like many of the developers other Pacifica projects, it will also include leisure activities, services, and cultural amenities.
Site context of Pacifica of Chicago via Google Maps
Currently there are nearby parking spaces visitors may use and the developer claims to have also purchased an additional structure on an adjacent parcel, to be used for a future second phase allowing for a comprehensive development. No budget nor building permits have been submitted to the city, and while the site won’t require a rezoning, it will need plan approvals and to secure funding. However it is worth noting that the Windfall Group’s website shows a groundbreaking date of spring 2023.
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I don’t think of this as a well known pocket of the city but it has a great feel in terms of structures, bridges, and location so I hope it does! Jefferson square is a well known shopping area?????
I pass by this building every single day while taking the orange line train. It’s in great condition just judging from the exterior so I’m happy to see they will be restoring it. It’s not a very pedestrian-friendly area so I hope the developers will take that into consideration with all the commercial programming planned for the site and do their due diligence for walkability/general access.
If ever a 100 year old building should be saved and repurposed this is it. Props to all involved
As someone from the UK, I recently had the opportunity to explore parts of Chicago on an eScooter. While searching for old locations from the Blues Brothers movie, I ended up getting lost. However, during my search, I stumbled upon a remarkable building with the words “WM Hoyt Company” etched into the stone. Curious about its history, I looked it up and learned about its past. It’s unfortunate to see the building in its current state of disrepair, so I’m glad to hear about the new plan to revive it. I wish you good luck with your planning application.
I also know that building well. We did the sample interior sandblasting about 5 years ago. I would be a great job for us