Plan Commission approves 1016 W. Jackson

The Chicago Plan Commission has approved a proposed mixed-use development at 1016 W. Jackson. Located just west of the intersection of W. Jackson Blvd and S. Morgan St, the new tower would replace an existing five-story shared office building that includes a large parking lot. While currently nothing is proposed for it, the zoning application includes a second site just across the alley facing onto W. Adams St.

Planned by Mavrek Development, the new mixed-use building will stand 28 floors tall, rising 295 feet to its parapet. As a mixed-use project, the tower will hold 370 residential units with a mix of 40% studios, 40% one-beds, and 20% two-beds. The ground floor will offer approximately 4,500 square feet of retail space fronting W. Jackson Blvd, along with the residential lobby and a bike room with 350 spaces for residents.

With BKV Group in charge of the design, the building meets the ground with a three-story podium that has been setback to create a wider sidewalk along W. Jackson Blvd. The ground floor sets back further to create an arcade and inviting space for the residential entry which is tucked around the side behind the retail space fronting W. Jackson Blvd. Site Design Group has been tapped to design this pedestrian-friendly paseo with lighting, bike racks, outdoor furniture, and benches.

Above the ground floor, the second and third floors of the podium will hold parking for 125 cars and will be screened from the exterior in a combination of metal paneling and translucent glass. The roof of the podium will be activated with an outdoor amenity deck for the residents which will include an outdoor pool. The tower portion of the building, rising above the podium, will be set back from the street with a T-shaped footprint and inset balconies. To create variety and interest, the tower will be clad in a combination of glass and rust-colored metal paneling composed in a way that contrasts portions of the building on each elevation. 

To meet the ARO requirements, the developers have elected to provide all of the required 74 affordable units within the building at an average of 60% AMI. The project will meet sustainability requirements by achieving a Green Globes 2-Globes certification, implementing green roofs, providing EV charging stations, and ensuring construction waste diversion.

The Plan Commission’s approval allows for the application to rezone the site from DS-3 to DX-5 with an overall Planned Development designation to head to the Committee on Zoning and then the full City Council. To receive a 3.1 FAR bonus, the developers will pay $1.85 million into the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund. 

Since the current office building on the site has active businesses in the building, the site won’t be cleared until full approvals and funding is secured. If the approval process goes to plan, the developers expect to break ground on the $100 million by the end of 2023 and deliver the new building in Spring 2025.