Plans have once again changed for the next phases of the multi-phase North Union in the Near North Side. New permit applications have been submitted by developer JDL for the next two structures, seeing a major increase in density at a time when demand and prices continue to grow in Chicago.
915 Franklin (orange) – 220 Chestnut (red) via Google Maps
220 West Chestnut Street
Originally set to be completed a few years ago, 220 Chestnut has sat relatively dormant as its neighbor at 871 Franklin underwent a major loft conversion as the first part of the second phase of North Union. A basement level, foundations, and the first floor of the structure had been completed before work paused.
PREVIOUS rendering of 220 W Chestnut Street by HPA
During this pause, JDL worked on reconfiguring the plans, which originally called for a five-story building with 23 residential units. Now, a new permit application calls to re-utilize the built structure for a revised seven-story building with 80 residential units, along with parking, a fitness center, and more. Approval is pending, and no timeline has been revealed.
915 North Franklin Street
Sitting to the north would be the next new-build structure, set to replace a now-vacant lot bound by West Walton Street to the north and West Locust Street to the south. Our last coverage was back in late 2025, when two commercial structures were demolished to make way for the building. Since then, it has also sat dormant until now.
PREVIOUS rendering of 915 N Franklin Street by HPA
Previous plans for this phase called for a 12-story structure with an industrial-style aesthetic and stepped terraces as the building tapered out. Inside would have been ground-floor retail along with 100 residential units. Now, plans call for a 22-story structure with 254 residential units, more than double the original proposal.
Next Steps
Both applications are with the city at the moment, with varying levels of approval, as the application for 220 Chestnut was submitted back in July, with reviews commencing in September. The application for 915 Franklin was submitted yesterday and will begin its review soon. At the moment, no new renderings, plans, or timelines have been revealed for either building.
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Wow. And nice.
Here we go, bucking the trend that gets lamented often here…increased density responding appropriately to demand. Good!
Wow! That’s awesome! I was wondering why the North Union project had appeared to have “stalled” over recent months…. Turns out JDL was like “Hold my beer”. Looking forward to updated renderings on this project. Happy to see JDL moving forward and adding density to this project.
Do we know if 220 is still going to be timber?
I really like the design of 915 N Franklin. I hope it can be reflected in the new design. This is overall great news!