Work imminent on hotel project at 1528 N. Wells

The first permit has been issued for a long-awaited hotel development at 1528 N. Wells. Originally approved back in September 2020, the project has been quiet up until now, with a foundation permit issued for the building, indicating that work will begin imminently. Developed by Condor Partners, the project will reoccupy a currently vacant site along N. Wells St. 

Designed by Pappageorge Haymes, the project will see the construction of a 12-story hotel tower. Rising 151 feet, the boutique hotel will include 203 rooms with interiors designed by Summer Thornton. The building has been designed with a classic masonry exterior punctured by 8-foot-tall windows, with outdoor terraces on top of the massing’s multiple setbacks. Three levels of parking will rise at the back of the site, with access via a curb cut on N. Wells St. 

Dubbed The Duke of Wells, hotel guests will have access to 4.5 star amenities including a rooftop lounge with expansive views of Chicago and Lake Michigan, a spa, a fitness center, and a world-class restaurant. 

While not part of the permit, the development will see the construction of two large single-family homes along N. Wieland St to screen the parking structure that will stand behind the hotel tower. Oriented north/south to act as the screens, the homes will render the parking nearly invisible from sight while creating new homes to close the gap along N. Wieland St. 

With the foundation permit issued, general contractor McHugh Construction can begin work on the site. A timeline for the project is currently unknown.