Structural work has passed the seventh floor for the 27-story 868 N Wells Street in Near North Side, replacing a former low-rise brick building that was demolished last year. The developer of this mixed-use high rise is JDL, who has planned for 411 units and 12,000 square feet of retail. This tower is the second addition (after the adjacent 920 N Wells) to their North Union megadevelopment, a sprawling $1.3 billion master plan that will ultimately occupy 2.9 million square feet of space. The larger North Union assemblage will feature skyscrapers measuring up to approximately 700 feet in height while providing a total of 2,656 residences, extensive commercial and retail options, and 100,000 square feet of public areas.
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Rendering by HPA
The architect for the project is Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, whose design for the glass and metal tower extends upward from a hexagonal footprint. The 305-foot tower will come with a 20th-floor north-facing setback, an amenity penthouse and rooftop deck, as well as north- and south-facing balconies.
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
Updated rendering of 920 and 868 N Wells Street by HPA
There will be 129 parking spaces housed within an underground garage. For public transit, bus service for Routes 22, 37, 66, 70, and 156 can all be reached within a 10-minute walk. For CTA L service, Chicago station, which provides access to the Brown and Purple Lines, is accessible via a six-minute walk southwest from the site. Additionally, Red Line service can be found at the second Chicago station via an 11-minute walk southeast.
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
The general contractor for the project is Power Construction. An estimated completion date for this particular tower is set for mid-2024, while the completion for North Union as a whole is on track for 2026.
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I cannot WAIT for the next Phases to kick off. Especially/obviously the taller northern buildings.
This project is probably my absolute favorite when it comes to mega developments we have going for us in Chicago. Even compared to The 78 and Lincoln Yards. I really appreciate JDL, they seem like one of the more progressive developers in the city that actually get things done at a good pace compared to other developers.
This North Side project I think will definitely redefine the “downtown” area closer into Old Town and Cabrini Green after this is all completed.
Totally agree Christopher! What an amazing addition to the city that’s actually happening.
I live across LaSalle from 920 N Wells and it is a terrific addition to our view. Love seeing the reflections of the Gold Coast buildings and watch the reflected sunrise in the morning. Only problem for me is they have one pane of glass that is the wrong color and distracts from the otherwise beautiful building.
Im next door at ParcChestnut.. i like these buildings, not thrilled about the longer term high rises. the planned community is a great idea though and the construction teams are moving at speed. they work weekends!
HPA taking a glassy assignment and making the most out of it. Although, I’m especially excited about those mid-rises. They’ll be very elegant if not too far off from the renderings
Just beautiful view location love the class look and waiting for a inside view I live across down on wells sw and would love to see it all done to visit.