Demolition is underway for two three-story masonry buildings located at 16-22 W Erie Street in River North. Both of the permits, which were issued in November of last year, were filed under the name KKDD LLC. An additional third building located at 14 W Erie Street is also slated for demolition, but the process is pending given its landmark status.
16-22 W Erie Street (left and center) and 14 W Erie Street (right). Photo by Jack Crawford
Rebel Hospitality, who owns all three parcels, has not revealed its development plans. However, the parcels are zoned for DX-5, which would allow for a higher-density development. This designation permits high rises with offices or apartments and ground-floor retail, and no maximum height. However, any future construction’s height would be regulated by a Planned Development review, and a floor area ratio of 5 (where the building’s square footage could not exceed five times the area of the property).
16-22 W Erie Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
The site is surrounded by multiple transportation options, including buses 22, 36, 65, 66, 125, and 156 all within a three-block radius. Slightly further east along Michigan Avenue are additional stops for Routes 3, 26, 143, 146, 147, 148, and 151. Multiple CTA L lines lie within the area as well, including the Red Line’s Grand station and Chicago station, each located within a four-minute walk. The Brown and Purple Lines can also be found in the vicinity, located at the other Chicago station a nine-minute walk northwest.
Any future project would lie within a prime commercial location, with a wealth of retail and dining options in all directions.
14 W Erie Street. Photo by Jack Crawford
Atlas Industries Inc has served as wrecking contractor. An on-site worker mentioned that demolition work is currently underway at the roof-level, and the whole operation will likely continue for at least another month. It is unclear if Rebel Hospitality plans to redevelop the land itself or sell it to another developer. Full timeline details are not yet known.
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Another few (sadly) bite the dust…
Aren’t these the lots that the expansion of the Dana Hotel was planned for?
So we’re tearing down character for basically a lot that will sit empty for 5 years. Smh
So awful, these were perfectly great buildings and without a specific plan I don’t understand why this developer gets to degrade the neighborhood. They should have to prove that they have secured funding for their new building and an approved development plan long before ever getting approval to tear down such solid classic character. Shame on Rebel Hospitality.
what is wrong with people
There is a place for low-rises even downtown. It brings diversity and character to downtown. We lose such quality low-rises at our own peril.
This is unfortunate. Does anyone else see a surface parking lot on the horizon for this space?