Tower crane permit issued for 1217 W. Washington

A tower crane permit has been issued for the mixed-use development at 1217 W. Washington. Located between two adjacent historic buildings, the site is currently a vacant lot that overlooks the intersection of W. Washington Blvd and N. Willard Ct. Focus is the primary developer of the project with DAC Developments and Melrose Ascension Capital as supporting partners.   

Designed by Pappageorge Haymes, the project consists of a 19-story mixed-use tower. Expected to rise 213 feet, the tower will hold 4,000 square feet of retail space and 287 residential units. The apartment mix is expected to be approximately 45% studios, 35% one-bedrooms, and 20% two-bedroom rentals. The building will host 183 parking spaces for residential tenants.

The building meets the ground with a four-story podium that will hold the ground floor retail space, residential lobby, and parking on the upper three floors. The street-facing facade will be made up of brick and punched window openings. The ground floor will open up with storefront glazing and a recessed entry protected by a glass canopy.

Setback 25 feet from the street, the tower portion will be articulated with a metal frame pattern that contrasts with and projects from the glass facade. The top two floors will hold amenity space including indoor programming and an outdoor deck with pool.

The project recently secured financing including a $71.6 million construction loan from CIBC as well as $23.9 million in preferred equity from Heitman, with remaining equity covered by the developers. The issuance of the tower crane permit adds to the foundation permit and full building permit that have already been issued.

With permits in hand and financing secured, the development will likely break ground imminently. The project was originally expected to have an approximate 18-month construction timeline so work may finish in early 2027.