Initial details have been revealed for the redevelopment of an existing commercial building at 900 N North Branch Street on Goose Island. Located just west of the intersection with N Halsted Street, the existing masonry-clad, industrial-style building most famously housed local culinary school Kendall College for many years and is now being pivoted as class A office space. Owner and developer W.P. Carey is working with Madison Rose on the project and are currently in the selection process for an architect to execute the renovations.
Rendering of 900 N North Branch courtesy of Madison Rose
The building stands next to the future site of Onni’s Halsted Point development with a 504-foot-tall residential tower at 901 N Halsted Street City Council approved late last year. The 170,000-square-foot structure anchors the nearly three-acre campus that developers have expressed could be utilized by a single tenant. Adjacent to downtown and the growing West Loop area, companies like the famed Hogsalt Restaurant Group have recently relocating their headquarters nearby.
Second floor plan and precedent office images of 900 N North Branch courtesy of Madison Rose
The site features a private one-acre park on the river with the potential for a boat dock and future water-taxi stop. Although the developer’s plans are still being finalized, the renovation work will include finishing the demolition of the existing tenant spaces and the modernization of the HVAC system, followed by the potential construction of new amenity spaces like a fitness center, cafe, lounge, and a new lobby as well. The eight-story building will offer 16,000- to 37,000-square-foot floor plates with tall ceilings, plenty of windows, and access to 140-vehicle parking spaces with 40 spaces adjacent to the building and 100 spaces in a lot across the street.
Site context of 900 N North Branch courtesy of Madison Rose
Future users will have access to a Divvy docking station and bus service for CTA Route 8 in front of the building along with Route 66 via a three-minute walk, Route 70 via an eight-minute walk, and the CTA Blue Line at Chicago station via a seven-minute walk. With the interior demolition already taking place, interior work is expected to begin later this year. As for the famed Kendall College sign atop of the structure, a future tenant could rebrand it to feature a new name over the north branch of the Chicago River.
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I like that style of graphic you include here for transit options. Nice job!
Whaaaaat! Omgaahhh this is BIG! I love that building and this area isn’t exactly known for high-end development. Love to see adaptive re-use setting the initial bar for Goose Island development. Perhaps this is going to accelerate as Lincoln Yards and Halsted Point “pinch” in on Goose Island with residential development?
Question about the first render, I do not see the boat yard to the West of the 900NB sign, is that going away or is it part of the proposal?
Hey Steve! It’s part of a separate proposal, I believe it is going forward to be anchored by Hogsalt
Thanks. aw shucks, where am i going to winterize my yacht now. LOL
Was always amazed how we did not turn this island into a high end community with water front homes. Think Star Island Miami. Perhaps it is because everyone thinks the river is a sewer.