Developers plan mixed-use development at 566 W. Van Buren

Riverside Investment & Development in partnership with Bluestar Properties has proposed to develop a mixed-use tower at 566 W. Van Buren. Announced through Alderman Reilly’s newsletter to constituents, the new project would replace a surface parking lot and two two-story retail buildings.

With a design from Antunovich Associates, the new 14-story tower will rise 155 feet within its current DX-7 zoning. The new development will deliver 198 residential units with 2,500 square feet of retail on the ground floor facing the intersection of W. Van Buren St and S. Jefferson St. The residential lobby will front W. Van Buren St, with balconies rising above on the south facade.

Planned with a mix of studios, junior one-beds, one-beds, one-bed plus dens, and two-beds, residents will have access to a suite of rooftop amenities including a fitness center, co-working space, and a club room. On an exterior rooftop deck residents will have access to a rooftop pool and grilling stations. On the ground floor, a dog run and dog spa are located behind the parking ramp along the alley.

Parking for residents will total 76 car parking spaces and 99 bicycle spaces. Parking access for 24 cars on the ground floor will be via the public alley, with a parking ramp off of S. Jefferson St for the remaining 52 spaces on the second floor.

The building has been designed to fit into the context of the West Loop neighborhood incorporating a brick and glass façade. The parking floors are clad with translucent glass and the ground floor will be set back approximately 2 feet from the property line to provide a wider sidewalk with new street planters and trees along both Jefferson and Van Buren Streets. The existing curb cut on Van Buren Street has been removed and the Jefferson Street curb cut has been reduced by 5’ for the parking entrance.

The developers are not seeking any zoning changes and will develop the site under the existing zoning rights which govern their property. As an as-of-right development, the project requires no city approval. Lendlease has been tapped to serve as the general contractor.