Residential conversion planned at 201 E. Walton

A residential conversion is being proposed for an existing hotel building at 201 E. Walton. Planned by Churchwick Partners, the hotel, currently operated as Sonesta ES Suites, is located at the corner of E. Walton Pl and N. Mies Van Der Rohe. The developer acquired the hotel in September 2025.

With bKL Architecture leading the redesign, the project will convert the hotel units into 221 residential units, with a mix of 110 studios, 80 one-beds, and 31 two-beds. The project will include 72 parking spaces that are existing and a bike room with 50 bike parking spaces. 

Residents will have access to amenity spaces including a resident lounge, coworking library, fitness center, and dog run. Outdoor terraces are planned for the second floor and 9th floor rooftops that would create small, compact, serene outdoor settings. 

On the exterior, the building’s entrance and streetscape will be enhanced with a modern design and new landscaping along the sidewalk. A dog run will be integrated within the landscaping on the site along N. Mies Van Der Rohe Way. 

To allow for the conversion of the building, the developer is seeking a Type 1 zoning amendment with approvals needed from the Committee on Zoning and City Council. 

The developer expects to proceed with the rezoning and permitting processes now through Fall 2026. If approved, the hotel operation would cease in December 2026 and construction would begin. The developer has stated that they are fully capitalized and have the construction loan in hand to proceed with construction. Work is expected to take 6-8 months with the first move-ins targeted for Spring/Summer 2027.