A caisson permit has been issued to begin construction on a ten-story residential building at 227 West Chicago Avenue in the River North neighborhood. A stormwater management permit preceded caissons on August 25. The full building permit, applied for on April 29, remains pending in the Chicago Data Portal.
Rendering of 227 West Chicago Avenue by Jonathan Splitt Architects
Caisson permit for 227 West Chicago Avenue, issued September 15, 2025. Via the Chicago Data Portal
Noah Properties is the developer of the 56-unit project. A single-story commercial building on the corner of Chicago Avenue and Franklin Street, most recently home to a Walmart Express store, was permitted for demolition in June 2020 in anticipation of a nine-story office building for the site, but that plan didn’t pan out. The new plan, a design by Jonathan Splitt Architects, will include retail space and a 22-car garage on the ground floor.
The previously-planned office building. Rendering by Hirsch MPG
Site context of 227 West Chicago Avenue via Google Maps
Thatcher Foundations of Gary, IN is named in the permit as the caisson contractor, with Remi Development LLC, registered to the same Schiller Park address as Noah Properties, listed as the general contractor. The lot has been improved with sidewalk canopies for several weeks, so it’s possible work will begin immediately. There is no clear indication yet as to a projected opening date.
227 West Chicago Avenue from the Brown Line platform, 09/14/2025. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Looking northeast above the alley and North Franklin Street on the Chicago Brown Line platform, June 2025
227 West Chicago Avenue is located about 13 feet from the north stairway to the Chicago Brown Line elevated platform. Route 37 and 66 buses make stops at this intersection. For north-south travel, the 22 Clark bus stops three blocks to the east.
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Yes – fill in these lots throughout River North.
I knew Daniel would get us the shots of what it currently looks like, and that’s why I love this site. Thanks Daniel!
I’ll take five of these over a 50-story tower any day.
The great thing about a 50 story tower? You can still build four of these, too.
You are right, I wouldn’t want a 50-story building either, I’d want a 70-story building.
Joseph, are you so illiterate as to misunderstand a one-sentence comment? I never said I wouldn’t want a 50-story building. I said I would take five of these over a 50-story tower. It’s a matter of preference…and you oddly tell me that I was “right”? Like I wouldn’t know my preference?
You got to express your opinion. Someone countered with a witty opinionated refute.
Now you’re butt-hurt and going a bit dramatic? It’s just some words, lower the ego.
This is such good infill. This area has become a lot more activated and alive recently. Good to see more housing coming online
I kind of agree. I think it is, except for all of the parking so close to so much high capacity transit. At least it puts it in the rear. The thing I like to ask about parking, is what many other higher value things to this building, neighborhood, and our city, could this be instead of a lifeless place to store cars? Many other better uses come to mind.
this looks like a building from the 40s/50s. the architect must have been a very old person.
Wish it was slightly taller but still great infill
Years ago I believe this was a seafood restaurant and then perhaps a Blick store? Walmart tried for a while, but that turned out to be a theft magnet, being adjacent to an EL shop.
The lofts on River North are a relic. It’s a perfect site for residential. Hopefully with limited parking.
Design? I’m ambivalent. Mediocre? But everyone has budget constraints.
Peace
This was Pearl art and craft supply
River north needs more infill!
Rendering an L train car in every shot was a nice touch hahaha. Feels like a passive-aggressive reminder from the developer that dense infill belongs on this lot
This building is adjacent to the cursed corner of Orleans and Chicago. The bounce lounge is empty, and it will probably remain that way because you can’t get a liquor license if you own that property. The Walgreens is parked by Walgreens and not for sale. The clinic is a valuable service, but it’s not bringing in a crowd attractive to developers. The Urban Grill diner is incredible though, I’m glad that’s doing well, but the rest of that block will need a insane makeover before living in this building becomes palatable.
eh. It’s right near a CTA and access to bus transit as well. If you walk in a 5 minute radius you can get whatever you need. Have you ever been in the area?
Yes. I’d rather walk down Cambridge and Chicago. It’s an awful dead zone and pretending that the CTA lines make it less so literally proves my point.
So what’s the point of the original comment?
A new structure is being introduced that will undoubtedly increase local foot traffic. Whether they are local shoppers or simple commuters, it’s more eyes on the street and patrons for other establishments.
You are drawing attention to some potential concerns, but such strong negativity is putting the horse before the cart. Should we just cancel the project altogether to save ourselves from a potential what-if?
Hopefully its a building that do not allow pets.