Plan Commission approves 1245 W. Fulton

The Chicago Plan Commission has approved plans for a new residential tower at 1245 W. Fulton St. Currently a vacant lot, the project sits at the intersection of N Elizabeth St and W Fulton St. Chicago-based Sterling Bay is the developer behind the project.

Designed by Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, the design consists of a 28-story tower that will rise 314 feet tall. The mixed-use building will meet the ground with retail space fronting W Fulton St. and wrapping around the corner to N Elizabeth St. With 350 units in the tower above, residents will enter through a parklet and residential entry along N Elizabeth St. The development will include 95 car parking spaces and 199 bike parking spaces. 

The glass and metal tower will rise from a two-story base clad in metal frames. The podium will occupy the full parcel, with a rectangular tower element rising at the northwest corner, offsetting from the adjacent 1215 W. Fulton tower that was recently approved. Balconies will rise along the eastern and western ends of the tower volume. Tenant amenities will be mainly located on the third floor with indoor amenities and an exterior deck with a pool and dog run. More residential amenities will be located on the top floor. 

The unit mix for the project will include 66 studios, 46 convertibles, 140 one-beds, 92 two-beds, and 6 three-bedroom apartments. To meet the 20% ARO requirement, 70 units will be designated as affordable up to 60% AMI. The affordable unit mix will include 13 studios, 9 convertibles, 28 one-beds, 19 two-beds, and 1 three-bedroom unit. In response to the FMID, the developers are working with DPD and DOH to reach 30% affordable units. They have also applied for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to try and achieve that. 

To address sustainability, the building will receive a 2-Globes Green Globes certification, exceed stormwater ordinance by 25%, install EV charging stations, and ensure 80% construction waste diversion. Pending City Council approval, Sterling Bay hopes to break ground on the $110 million project in early 2022.