The Chicago Plan Commission has approved the mixed-use development at 116-138 S Paulina Street in the Near West Side. Sitting just east of the United Center and replacing a vacant lot often used for event parking, the project will be the new home for City Church Chicago. The large multi-phase development is being led by the church with Indiana-based Hutton & Hutton working on its design.
Site plan for City Church Chicago by LIVE design group
Site context plan for City Church Chicago by LIVE design group
In development for a few years now, its original zoning application was submitted in 2023, having submitted for Plan Commission review this last April. Among some slight controversies, the building has been approved. The initial phase will rise three stories with a roughly 40,000-square-foot footprint, containing a large central auditorium and inset corner entrance with large media screens.
Phasing plans for City Church Chicago by LIVE design group
Massing rendering for City Church Chicago by LIVE design group
The rest of the space will hold small break out rooms for children’s services and four-vehicle parking spaces for staff. The second phase will build out the rest of the second and third floors with more church offices and additional classrooms, chapel, and kitchen for programming. A final and third phase will consist of a 12-story residential high rise, containing 76 residential units of which 15 will be considered affordable.
Rendering for City Church Chicago by LIVE design group
Material section for City Church Chicago by LIVE design group
The majority of the building’s exterior in the first two phases will be clad in a precast system with aluminum storefronts and black accent panels. Additional media screens will also be located along Paulina Street. At the moment it is unclear how parking will be handled for the church though the surrounding lots will most likely be used. The $16 million project will now need City Council approval prior to construction.
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Just gonna throw this out there… The church, a tax exempt entity, is building a residential development where 80% of the units are market rate… Who knew Jesus was such a profiteer?
They should buy 1055 West Diversey which is currently a church and preserve it. Instead 1055 is being torn down and replaced by a rather awful looking 5-story condo. (April 28th YIMBY story)
In a better world, the empty lots near UC would become nice tall for-profit condo buildings (generating tax revenue), and 1055 (or one of the other empty churches) would be sold to this church.