When we stopped by 629 West Lake in the West Loop late last month, we surmised that the presence of an excavator a block south at 135 North Desplaines Street might indicate the beginning of another construction project. Nailed it. A follow-up visit on February 3 showed a crew on site, not only prepping the lot, but doing excavation work and driving piles along the parcel’s south lot line.
Rendering of 135 North Desplaines Street by Axios Architects & Consultants
First floor (left) and typical residential floor (right) plans of 135 North Desplaines Street by Axios Architects & Consultants
The same three-player team of Continuum Real Estate Brokers, Axios Architects, and Chicago Common Partners working on 629 West Lake is at it once again at 135 North Desplaines. They got a construction permit on January 13 for a nine-story building here with 50 dwelling units and three parking spaces. The lot was already surrounded by construction fencing at that point, with the excavator on hand before the month was over. Seeing work begin isn’t a surprise, but that early pile driving next to the CTA’s building at 127 North Desplaines was a fun bonus.
The low parking-to-unit ratio isn’t the only thing this project has in common with its partner a block away; both buildings feature a similar design aesthetic, with lots of balconies hanging over a ground-floor retail space on the corner of West Randolph Street and Desplaines. The first level will also have a loading berth, the residential lobby, and bicycle parking. A rooftop deck will adorn the ninth floor.
Excavation in the southeast corner of the site. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
A row of steel piles on the south edge of the lot, separating it from the CTA building next door. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
There has been no indication yet of when completion is expected, but we do know these will be rental apartments.
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Wow I love that parking ratio
We just need more projects like this.
Narrow, dense, little parking.
The population of the West Look keeps growing but the retail businesses of the neighborhood do not. I don’t understand why.