Boutique condo building switches back to hotel at 61 W. Erie

As construction wraps up at 61 W. Erie St, news has broken that the building will be converted into a boutique hotel. Announced via Alderman Reilly’s recent newsletter to constituents, Sonder Hospitality is planning on operating the project as a boutique hotel. The development is currently being managed and constructed by LG Development. 

The site has been the subject of a long saga of proposals and scope changes. A 12-story condo building was originally proposed by LG Development in 2017 but failed to get started. In 2019, the developers planned to collaborate with Sonder Hospitality and build a five-story hotel concept with short-term rental suites. In 2020, Sonder backed out due to the coronavirus pandemic upending the hospitality industry and LG Development moved ahead with the units planned as for-sale condos. 

With a strong recovery in the hospitality industry, Sonder is reportedly excited to again pursue this location as a boutique hotel. The 28 condos will be now converted into 28 apartment style hotel suites, with ground floor retail remaining unchanged. Sonder will have full time employees and on-site security. 

Since the building was constructed under the existing zoning of DX-5, hotel use is permitted as-of right, and no approvals will be necessary for the switch. An official opening date has not been announced.