Four teams of developers, architects, planners, and community organizations are in the running to transform city-owned land at Van Buren Street and Plymouth Court into a model of eco-friendly urban design.
The competition is part of the C40 Reinventing Cities initiative which is engaging cities around the world to create sustainable, carbon-zero developments to combat climate change.
The winning team will purchase and redevelop a vacant four-level parking garage across the street from the Harold Washington Library in the Loop. The site is situated just west of Pritzker Park, which will receive a much-needed makeover of its own.
The City of Chicago announced five finalist teams to redevelop the site in September. Since then, one of the finalists ("Team Unity" from developer Keith Giles) has dropped out. Here is a quick look at the four plans that are still under review:
Assemble Chicago
Lead by local developer the Community Builders and architect Studio Gang, this net-zero carbon building will rise 20 stories. The $102 million plan calls for 207 units of affordable housing and includes a two-story podium with non-profit and commercial space facing Pritzker Park, which will receive $2 million worth of improvements.
A ground-level rendering of Assemble Chicago.Studio Gang
Common Good Collaborative
A team that includes developers Lendlease and KMA Co. and architecture firms Valerio Dewalt Train and Latent Design envision this 21-story mixed-use structure with 305 mixed-income residential units. The lower levels feature space for small businesses and a community center. The $99.9 million project also commits $2 million to Pritzker Park.
A rendering of the Common Good Collaborative proposal.Valerio Dewalt Train Associates/Latent Design
ecoVIBE
Developed by City Pads and DL3 Realty Advisors and designed by Perkins + Will, the ecoVIBE proposal rises 21 stories and features 224 units of mixed-income residential housing. Commercial uses include a cafe, gallery space, and a medical clinic. The $128.5 million project will pledge $1.25 million toward improving the neighboring park.
A rending of ecoVIBE.Perkins + Will
Inspiration Exchange
Developers Turnstone Development and Lightengale Group have teamed up with designers MKB Architects and Mir Collective for their $42 million proposal known as the Inspiration Exchange. The building will rise just 12 stories and include 81 studio apartments offered as affordable housing and supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. The plan includes $100,000 for Pritzker Park.
Inspiration Exchange.MKB Architects Mir Collective
The Chicago Department of Planning and Development will co-host a virtual town hall meeting with Ald. Sophia King (4th) to discuss the four proposals on Monday, May 3 at 5:00 p.m. Residents interested in the event can register here.
The Loop parcel is the second Chicago site to take part in the C40 Reinventing Cities initiative. Last March, the Garfield Green proposal won a competition to transform city-owned land in East Garfield Park into mixed-income apartments with rooftop urban agriculture and solar panels. That project is currently working to secure financing.
