A special use application has been approved for the residential conversion of 153 W Ohio Street in River North. Sitting near the intersection with N LaSalle Street directly across from the Ohio House Motel, the proposal will redevelop the existing commercial building. The project is being led by local developer Senco Properties and designed by architecture firm FitzGerald Associates.
Current view of 153 W Ohio Street via LoopNet
The five-story and over 50-foot tall structure was originally built in 1900, receiving its last renovation and expansion in 1990 which added the fifth floor. The building’s exterior will remain relatively unchanged with minor repairs and the creation of a ground floor residential lobby. Previous plans also called for a ground-floor retail space which has since been removed in exchange for more units.
Floor plans for 153 W Ohio Street by FitzGerald Associates
In total the project will create 35-residential units out of the existing space made up of five-studios/efficiencies, 11 one-bedroom, 6 one-bedroom with a den, 11 two-bedrooms, and two three-bedroom layouts. Changes to the original plans also removed any on-site parking, with residents having access to 38-bicycle parking spaces instead.
Elevations of 153 W Ohio Street by FitzGerald Associates
Due to the nature of the building only the residents on the top floor, which is already set back from the streetfront, will have access to outdoor space. However all will be able to utilize a gym in the basement level. The special use approval will allow the project to proceed without the ground floor commercial space the original zoning required, thus the developers can now pull permits to begin the work.
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I’m not normally one to insist on commercial, but having no active uses along the first-floor risks making an already inhospitable street even worse.