The Chicago Plan Commission has approved the residential proposal at 1201 West Kinzie Street in the West Loop. Located at the corner of North Racine Avenue, the development will replace a vacant lot bounded by Metra tracks to the south. Efforts are being led by LG Group in partnership with Dirk Denison Architects.
Site context model of 1201 W Kinzie St by Dirk Denison Architects
Rendering of 1201 W Kinzie St by Dirk Denison Architects
The low-rise breaks from the mold of nearby high-rises, with the tallest proposal in the area located directly across the street at 420 N May. The five-story building will rise to a maximum height of 71 feet and span 200 feet along the intersection. It will be uniquely clad in a mix of glazed green brick with various bronze metal accents and panels.
Floor plans of 1201 W Kinzie St by Dirk Denison Architects
Rendering of 1201 W Kinzie St by Dirk Denison Architects
Inside, the ground floor will contain a small lobby, two amenity spaces, residential units along the streetfront, and a 14-vehicle parking garage accessed from Racine. The upper floors will house the remaining 66 residential units, consisting of studio, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom layouts. Of these, 15 percent will be designated as affordable in exchange for providing larger, family-sized units.
Elevations of 1201 W Kinzie St by Dirk Denison Architects
Materials of 1201 W Kinzie St by Dirk Denison Architects
The building’s massing will be articulated by four inset gardens on the second floor, allowing for additional windows for units with Juliet balconies. The roof will also feature a large deck for residents. The $25 million proposal will now require City Council approval prior to a planned late 2026 groundbreaking and mid-2028 completion.
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Should be 5X taller
I’m truly amazed they are building something here. Back during Covid, my wife would walk around Fulton with beers. Sometimes the walks would get a little extended and I’d need to take a leak. The huge trees on this lot were wonderful cover. Felt like just the tiniest slice of nature in an area with none. Hope they put in triple pane windows. I’ll miss the tall trees.
1 of those tall trees (the tallest & healthiest it would seem) is ~220′ from the intersection, so it should be just west of this development. Who knows if its root structure survives all the work though.
This is going to look great coming down Racine from the north.
I would’ve loved if it stepped back in line with the bronze panels for 2 additional floors with 10 total 4 bedroom units. So that each of the parking spaces on the ground floor were tied to a 4 bedroom unit.
Lovely green glazed brick that is becoming a trend lately.
Should be way taller. And the design is dull. Chicago deserves better.