Chicago's South Shore community is about to get its first new condominium development in years. A four-story, ten-unit masonry building will soon break ground at a long-vacant lot located at the end of a cul-de-sac at 3012 E. 78th Street—across from Rainbow Beach Park.

On Thursday, the Chicago Plan Commission approved a Lakefront Protection Ordinance application for the South Side site. The vote is a crucial step in the approval process for the estimated $7 million undertaking. 

The project at 3012 E. 78th Street comes from developer Elam Industries LLC. The company is led by local South Shore resident Anita Richardson, who intends to occupy one of the building's ten for-sale units when the structure is complete. 

Chicago Department of Planning and Development

Each residence features an open floorplan, elevator service, 11-foot ceilings, and views of the park and Lake Michigan. The development will use two existing parking spaces as well as provide parking for eight more cars in attached rear garages. ID Architecture serves as project designer.

The condos will sell for between $649,000 to $799,000, according to Crain's Chicago Business, and two units are currently listed for sale by Real Properties Realty Group. Elam Industries plans to hold a groundbreaking ceremony later this month, begin construction in August, and welcome residents in spring 2022.

The upcoming condo project wasn't the only South Shore development approved by the Chicago Plan Commission. The commissioners also gave preliminary zoning to a $60 million film production studio slated for a 7-acre site at 1525 E. 77th Street.