As the eighth tallest active development in our year-end countdown, the 27-story tower at 868 N Wells Street in Near North Side is the second phase of the extensive North Union megaproject developed by JDL. This 305-foot tower, which replaces a former low-rise brick building, comprises 411 apartment units and 12,000 square feet of retail space.
868 N Wells Street (right). Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
The design of the tower by Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture features a glass and metal exterior on a hexagonal base. Notably, the building includes a setback on the 20th floor facing north, leading to an amenity penthouse and a rooftop terrace. Balconies are also present on both the north and south sides of the building.
868 N Wells Street (right). Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
North Union Masterplan. Rendering by HPA
The broader North Union complex, valued at $1.3 billion, is set to span across 2.9 million square feet upon completion. The project will include multiple towers, each reaching around 700 feet in height. It is planned to house 2,656 residential units, alongside designated commercial and retail spaces. Additionally, the complex will incorporate 100,000 square feet of space allocated for public areas.
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
Inside the building is a parking garage for 129 vehicles, complemented by various public transport options. Within a 10-minute walking distance, one can access bus Routes 22, 37, 66, 70, and 156. The proximity of the Chicago station, a six-minute walk southwest of the building, provides access to the Brown and Purple Lines, and another Chicago station, 11 minutes to the southeast, connects to the Red Line.
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
868 N Wells Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
General contractor Power Construction expects a completion for mid-2024, while the larger North Union project is anticipated to be finalized by 2026.
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And for comparison, last year’s #8 spot was 160 N Morgan in the Fulton Market area.
Rising 45 feet higher then this development at 350ft.