Fulton Market life science project gets 40-foot haircut

Chicago developer Mark Goodman & Associates and architecture firm Solomon Cordwell Buenz presented an updated plan for a new life science lab building slated for the former Lakeshore Beverage distribution center at 400 N. Elizabeth Street in the Fulton Market District.

Changes since the last public meeting (held in July) include a roughly 40-foot height chop from 309 to 270 feet. The building got a little wider and also reduced its parking from 210 to 131 stalls and moved those spaces below ground. The result is a tower that rises 16 stories—down from 19. The updated design features a new outdoor terrace on the second level and a 21-foot setback fronting Elizabeth street to provide additional relief to the adjacent buildings.

The proposed development's lobby, cafe, and parking entrance will be located along Elizabeth. The top floor contains a tenant lounge, fitness center, and terrace. The plan retains a new pedestrian through-way to Ogden Avenue on a vacated stretch of Kinzie Street. The connection is being considered in the context of a future Fulton Market Metra stop to the west. The Chicago Department of Planning and Development will hold a webinar to discuss plans for the proposed station on October 12 (registration required). 

The proposed building at 400 N. Elizabeth will require a zoning change from the city to move forward. The development team hopes to get approval later this year and begin demolition and construction between May and July 2022. The project will take roughly 24 months to complete, according to the developers.