919 W. Fulton celebrates groundbreaking

Developers Fulton Street Companies and JDL Development yesterday celebrated the groundbreaking of 919 W. Fulton. Situated in Fulton Market, the project marks Chicago’s first major new office development to commence construction in over a year.

“Today’s groundbreaking event is a win for Chicago,” said Alex Najem, Founder and CEO of Fulton Street Companies. “We have assembled the very best organizations and companies, led by exceptional people, to remind the world that we can – and will – continue to build in downtown Chicago. Shanna Khan is the definition of exceptional people, and 919 W Fulton would not be possible if not for her belief in the project, her vision as the chief design officer and commitment as the lead equity investor with SNK Capital. As such, Fulton Street is grateful for Shanna, the leadership of Alderman and Vice Mayor Burnett, our tenants and all of our partners for making this ambitious and remarkable development a reality for our great city.”

The 400,000 square foot mixed-use building is set to become home to the headquarters of Harrison Street Real Estate Capital, who will occupy 112,000 square feet of space in the 11-story building. On the ground floor, Gibsons Restaurant Group will occupy 15,500 square feet of the planned retail space. 65 car parking spaces will be included in an underground parking level.

Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects and FitzGerald, the 11-story building features a facade that was designed to fit into the historic context and exhibits a series of notches and setbacks as it rises to reduce its visual impact on the historic Fulton-Randolph Market District that it will sit within. Originally planned to connect to the residential building at 910 W. Lake and convert it into more office space, the revised scope of the project will leave the existing building as apartments due to the stronger demand for residential. 

The project pays great attention to air quality, material selection, energy efficiency, wellness and environmental impact, and is pursuing WELL and LEED Silver certifications. With two lobbies—one on Sangamon and one corridor connecting access between Fulton and Lake streets—the address of the finished building will be 217 N Sangamon.

Financial backing for the project was secured through strategic partnerships with Bank OZK and Manulife Investment Management. SNK Capital assumed the pivotal role as the lead equity investment partner. With Skender serving as general contractor, the construction is expected to be completed in 2025.