Plans for a new signal processing plant at 2348 S Indiana Avenue in Motor Row have been approved by the Permit Review. Located just east of the intersection with S Michigan Avenue directly adjacent to McCormick Place’s west building, the new building replaces a surface parking lot. Led by Louisiana-based Lumen Technologies, the structure is being designed by the local office of global engineering firm EXP.
Elevation + site plan of 2348 S Indiana Avenue by EXP
The building will build upon the area’s data centers as it processes various signals into a legible format for engineers to analyze, optimize, or correct, as well as for multiple other uses. This will be done at the center of the two-story and 58-foot-tall building, in an area dubbed the gateway floor. This will be surrounded by multiple mechanical, electrical, and support rooms as well as a rear yard for deliveries and large generators.
Context elevations of 2348 S Indiana Avenue by EXP
Rendering of 2348 S Indiana Avenue by EXP
A new side alley will also be built on the west side of the structure and connect the current rear alley to E 24th Street in the front, with a small side portion of the lot facing Michigan Avenue being sold for future development. The building itself will be clad in a brick facade with large storefront window bays, however given the uses, the top floor will be translucent and the ground floor will have a second wall inset with informative displays.
Rendering of 2348 S Indiana Avenue by EXP
It is worth noting the aforementioned second floor will open without a use as it is earmarked for future expansions. Though there will be no visibility into the building itself, the company hopes to create an active street front. With a large price tag of $75.2 million, the development will now need to apply for building permits prior to construction commencing. Currently no timeline has been announced.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
I’m confused by what this is… a data center essentially ?
No. Second paragraph touches on it somewhat. They will need the near by data centers to process all the data so they can analyze it.