Plan Commission approves hotel conversion at 446 E. Ontario

The Chicago Plan Commission has approved the proposed hotel conversion at 446 E. Ontario. Designed by well-known structural engineer Fazlur Khan from SOM, the Onterie Center (now known as Axis Apartments and Lofts) is a 60-story building which holds 140,000 square feet of office space, 594 apartments, and a 363-space parking garage. The iconic building uses concrete-infilled window panels to create cross-bracing on the exterior.

Planned by Group Fox Management, the proposal would convert 100,000 square feet of the office space into 101 hotel rooms. Previously doctors offices, the plan would convert the sixth through tenth floors within the base of the building. 

Designed by NORR, the project would remove the glazing over the two atria in the podium to bring light to the hotel rooms. Creating open-air courtyards, the interior walls will be reglazed to enclose the new hotel rooms. Hotel guests will enter the building from E. Ontario St, no parking will be provided.

The $28 million development will now head to City Hall for approvals from the Committee on Zoning and City Council. A timeline for construction is currently unknown.