Two residential developments from Continuum Real Estate Brokers and their general contractor Chicago Common Construction continue to progress one block apart in the West Loop. At the corner of North Desplaines and West Lake Streets, 629 West Lake has moved into the brickwork stage for its exteriors. One block south on the southeast corner of North Desplaines and West Randolph Streets, 135 North Desplaines has reached its second story. Both buildings involve a third member of the team, design architect Axios Architects.
135 North Desplaines is a nine-story, 50-unit apartment building on what had been a surface parking lot. It will have a retail space on the ground floor along with the residential lobby, plus three indoor parking spaces. It was permitted in January, and site prep began in February. Chicago Common Construction had poured concrete for the second floor as of the end of March.
Rendering of 135 North Desplaines Street by Axios Architects
First floor at 135 North Desplaines. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
629 West Lake is an eight-story, 49-unit building. Like its doppelganger down the street, it will have very limited parking, with one fewer space than three included at 135 Desplaines. Its full permit came through on December 9, 2024, about four months after a permit was issued to demolish the former Fast Track hot dog joint that closed in 2022. Demolition began in January 2025 and wrapped but in February of that year, with caisson work following in March. The building is topped out, windows have been installed, and brickwork covers most of the west elevation, facing Desplaines Street.
Rendering of 629 West Lake Street by Axios Architects
629 Wat Lake. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Still no word on a projected opening date for 629 West Lake, but we’ve inquired. It seems likely to be ready before the end of the year. And if it follows a similar timeline, 135 North Desplaines would then be open by the end of 2027.
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This is the type of developement that we need throughout the city if we want to increase density and decrease rents. Sensible number of parking spots.
Looks like those balconies disappeared on 629…shame.
I’m pretty sure I see the knobs sticking out and install will take place later
Exactly. The supports are clearly visible on the facade, but because these are hung, they will not be installed until the brickwork is completed.
135 got to the second floor extremely quick, great to see a project move so fast.