The updated plans for the mixed-use development at 170 N May Street and 175 N Racine Avenue, as well as a revision for the lot at 210 N Racine Avenue, will head to this month’s Plan Commission meeting. Located along the intersection with W Lake Street within the Fulton Market District, the multi-phase project was initially revealed over four years ago with a different design.
Site context of 170 N May Street by bKL Architecture
Ground floor plan of 170 N May Street by bKL Architecture
Led by LG Development Group, earlier this year we revealed updated renderings and plans for the first phase of the project on the lot south of Lake Street. Now being designed by bKL Architecture, this portion of the proposal will be split into two phases rising 315-feet and 450-feet, nearly 100-feet taller than the original plans.
Updated rendering of 170 N May Street by bKL Architecture
Updated rendering and elevation of 170 N May Street by bKL Architecture
Both of the towers located on this southern parcel will be going to this month’s Plan Commission meeting in hopes of receiving approval. If built, they would bring 667-residential units and 509 parking spaces in total, with a ground floor grocery store, two smaller retail spaces, and a private alley cutting through their podiums.
Updated rendering of 170 N May Street by bKL Architecture
Updated rendering of 170 N May Street by bKL Architecture
Phase one which will be the shorter 25-story structure will feature a staggered glass box design with vertical fins, with the taller 38 story structure having a similar design. Currently the developer is working on rezoning the southern site from its original Planned Development to a new separate Residential Business Planned Development.
PREVIOUS rendering for 210 N Racine Avenue (right) by Gensler
Thus the same developer, operating under Fulton Grounds Owner LLC which was the name they also used to build Arthur on Aberdeen, is seeking to amend the original Planned Development to only include the northern parcel at 210 N Racine Avenue. This will keep the plot’s original approval for a 222-foot tall mixed-use structure with 179 residential units.
PREVIOUS elevation for 210 N Racine Avenue (right) by Gensler
However it is unknown if a redesign and later phasing is in the works for 210 N Racine, or if it is being split from the original project to be sold as an approved opportunity once approved. But we do know the developer plans to commence work on the first phase of the southern parcel at 170 N May in the beginning of 2025, with the second taller phase set to rise right after.
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Is there really so much demand for these units in Chicago?
Chicago could probably double the amount of units coming online and fill them. If anything, they will be falling behind in 2-4 years time. One the city can keep a progressive out of office, I anticipate the population to pick up pace again. I generally align with some of the policies, but progressives are a cancer to a successful city.
Eww keep your conservative politics in red cities thank you. We don’t want what happened to New Orleans to happen here. This is the worst time to develop a building financially. Thanks to the mayor, hopefully the new process for construction will be faster. All economics know that conservatives don’t benefit the economy.
Indeed, there definitely is a demand. Despite what is reported on news outlets known for spreading false information and even losing a billion-dollar lawsuit, Downtown Chicago is actually one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. Between 2012 and 2022, this area grew by 35%. Additionally, the occupancy rates in the new buildings are well above 90%, with most of them fully leased.
Developers would not be developing if there isn’t demand. Ultimately, infill benefits everyone. Even if it’s ultra luxury BS it will make the housing market less limited overall. I will always applaud new development in Chicago as long as it’s not damaging the community it’s being built in.
I see folks are dropping their political views into this conversation – so here goes – the current mayor is a fool – unless he mans up and admits their is a crime problem and works on the root cause (sound familiar) which is the lack of family support in the west and south sides – not a conservative or progressive spin – it’s life – unless someone is there to provide direction and support we fall apart,