Developers plan mixed-use project at 218 E. Grand

Mavrek Development, GW Properties, and Luxury Living Chicago Realty have teamed up to co-develop a mixed-use project at 218 E. Grand. Currently occupied by a multi-level parking garage, the corner site is located at the intersection of E. Grand Ave and N. St. Clair St. The project was announced via a release to the press and Alderman Reilly’s weekly newsletter.

With a design from NORR, the 21-story mixed-use building will hold 248 residential apartments, approximately 8,000 square feet or ground floor retail space, and approximately 41,000 square feet of office space. Tenants will also be provided with 100 car parking spaces and 124 bicycle parking spaces. The residential unit mix will consist of 124 studios, 17 one-beds, 45 one-bed plus den layouts, 60 two-beds, and 2 two-bed plus den configurations. The layouts put an emphasis on in-unit workspaces and private outdoor space to accommodate renter preferences post-pandemic. 

Residential amenities will include a private dog run, coworking lounge, specialized fitness center, and a rooftop amenity and pool deck. Parking and loading access will be off of N. St. Clair St, which is the same way the current parking garage is accessed. The residential lobby will front E. Grand Ave while the office lobby will face N. St. Clair St. 

The two full floors of Class-A office space will be a rare flagship opportunity located at 535 N. St Clair St. The two full floors of office space will also include private outdoor space, modern ventilation systems and other intentional post-pandemic health safety elements. Office tenants will be able to enjoy the apartment amenities as an added benefit. 

The podium of the building will hold the 100 parking spaces, so, to conceal the parking, the podium will be clad in translucent glass and contain a knee wall to block headlights. Per Alderman Reilly’s request, parking was reduced from an original 138 down to 100 spaces now proposed.

The developers are not seeking any zoning change and will develop the project as-of right. Demolition is expected to start mid-summer with groundbreaking by the end of the year. The office will be ready for tenant build outs to start Q3 2023, with the residential delivery expected in early 2024.