Additional details have been revealed surrounding the proposed mixed-use tower at 215 North Racine Avenue in Fulton Market. Located mid-block between West Fulton Street and West Lake Street, the slim structure would replace a parking lot and an existing three-story commercial building, and was originally proposed last summer by local developer Domus.
Tower (red) – Park (green) via Google Maps
Site context diagram of 215 N Racine Avenue by Archeo Design Studio
Since then, the team has presented the project to the community and received feedback. One of the main sticking points from those reviews was the lack of open public green space required of new projects in the area. As a result, Domus has expanded the proposal’s footprint to include a new pocket park at 1240 West Carroll Avenue.
Rendering of potential park at 1240 W Carroll Ave by Archeo Design Studio
The 10,810-square-foot park is also being designed by the tower’s architect, Archeo Design Studio, and would replace a small one-story commercial building. While the design isn’t finalized and will warrant additional community input, preliminary plans show two basketball courts and seating. The park will be privately managed but open to the public.
Rendering of 215 N Racine Avenue by Archeo Design Studio
Rendering of 215 N Racine Avenue by Archeo Design Studio
A few blocks over, the square-shaped tower would rise 30 stories and approximately 362 feet in height, with rounded corners. The ground floor would contain 1,128 square feet of retail space, a small lobby, and a ramp leading to an 88-space parking garage on the lower levels. The garage would be clad in a perforated metal screen and capped by a small terrace for the units within.
Floor plans of 215 N Racine Avenue by Archeo Design Studio
The remainder of the building would house 347 residential units, made up of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts. Of the total, 70 units would be considered affordable. All residents would have access to a rooftop amenity deck featuring a west-facing pool. The tower itself would be clad in glass with a copper- or bronze-colored metal grid detail.
Rendering of 215 N Racine Avenue by Archeo Design Studio
The development will now need to move forward with approvals from all necessary city entities before proceeding. Earlier announcements called for a mid-2026 construction start date with an 18-month completion timeline, though an updated schedule has not yet been released.
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Terrible garage component
Why? Its a neat little pocket of green space in a neighborhood that needs it. This is good
The pocket park is good, the 3 story blank faced garage not so much.
Love the bronze
Nice building design that shows some architectural thought. I like the pocket park addition to the area.
They did not have to add any park component. They did not have to dedicate land off-site for public benefit. If I were trying to leave a smidge of legacy for the generosity, I may have wanted to try a little harder on the landscape architecture.
I’m nagging on something they didn’t have to do, but a fenced-off sidewalk perimeter with a couple of picnic tables? This has as much charm as a Bolingbrook warehouse’s smoking patio. At least throw a tree or two in the plan. Take some inspo from the Wayman Street Plaza, all you need is a morsoal. Go above and beyond… Old Town Park is a charming space. I even enjoy the simplicity of Coliseum Park.
Hopefully, this is a first pass? The Tower looks good. Match that energy?
I dont think thats the final layout of the park. They probably just but basketball courts and picnic tables for scale
Public open space for taller buildings in the West Loop is “strongly encouraged” by the West Loop Design Guidelines issued by the Department of Planning and Development. So they kinda-sorta required to build the pocket park. Regardless, the park design has room for improvement.
Loling at that podium.
the pocket park looks better on paper (who would say no to a free park?!) but in practice it will likely be little more than a place for dog owners to take their dogs.
They’re good dogs, Brent
Insane podium. What are they thinking???