Structural work has reached full height 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 tower is JDL, who has planned for 411 units and 12,000 square feet of retail.
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
The 305-foot high-rise is the next phase of JDL’s North Union megaproject, following the neighboring 920 N Wells. This $1.3 billion project will occupy 2.9 million square feet. Once completed, the North Union complex will feature towers with heights of approximately 700 feet, housing 2,656 units, commercial and retail spaces, 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
Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture designed the tower, along with the broader North Union master plan. The design includes a glass and metal façade built on a hexagonal base. The structure, standing at 305 feet, will have a setback on its 20th floor facing north and will be topped with an amenity penthouse and rooftop terrace. Balconies will be present on both its north and south facades.
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
Below the tower, there will be a parking facility for 129 vehicles. For public transportation, bus service for Routes 22, 37, 66, 70, and 156 are within a 10-minute walk. The Chicago station, serving the Brown and Purple Lines, is a six-minute walk to the southwest. Additionally, the Red Line is accessible at another Chicago station, via an 11-minute walk southeast.
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
Power Construction is managing the construction as general contractor. The tower is expected to be completed by mid-2024, and the entire North Union development is set to conclude in 2026.
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looks decent, but excited for when these towers will look more like infill
I can’t wait to start covering the two tallest towers
I’ll say it: These two won’t win any awards, but they are both nice-looking, blue glass boxes and compliment the brown and red warehouses well.
There’s a true significance to the term “topped out.” It means the last beam has literally been raised and set,
a completion of thousands of man hours and grit of all trades, the roughest part. Big pipe, framing,all main feeds. The topping out ceremony is performed in then yard where everyone signs the last beam before it’s raised with an American flag on it. We know, as we watch it soar up, that it’s been done RIGHT,and pride fills our hearts. Forever, that building is ours. UNION!!
JDL is by far my favorite developer. They get things DONE and are constantly working.