Plan Commission approves retail building at 939 N. Rush

The Chicago Plan Commission has approved a Lakefront Protection Ordinance (LPO) application from the developer of a new retail building at 939 N. Rush St. Located at the edge of the Gold Coast, the new structure will replace an existing three-story retail building that is set to be demolished. The property is located midblock along N. Rush St between E Oak St and E Walton St, abutting a public alley to its north. 

Planned by developer JMB Realty LLC, the new structure will be entirely retail space, providing 4,848 square feet of space over two floors. The design, led by Stephen Rankin and Associates, will occupy the entire site with no parking and no setbacks. Rising 34 feet, the front facade will be constructed of stone cladding and an aluminum curtain wall that aligns with the neighboring retail building. It will meet the street with a glass storefront and metal panel above for the retail signage. 

On the interior, a decorative stair leads up to the second floor which will be a continuation of the ground floor retail space. A single use bathroom will be included on the ground floor. 

With LPO approval from the Plan Commission, the project can proceed. A permit for the demolition of the existing building was recently issued. A timeline for the project has not been announced.