Construction is just beginning on the massive Southbridge development and a permit has been issued to begin foundation work for a new 12-story residential tower at 2305 South State Street. Planned by The Community Builders, this marks Phase 1C of the multiphase redevelopment transforming the former Harold Ickes Homes site into a vibrant mixed-income community on Chicago’s Near South Side.
The foundation permit, valued at $2 million, was issued on October 16 — just four months after the initial application. The overall project cost is projected at $49 million. Designed by Gensler in collaboration with Nia Architects, the building will rise to a height of 140 feet and bring 80 rental apartments to the area. Unit distribution includes:
20 studio units
50 one-bedroom units
10 two-bedroom units
Of these, 29 units will be reserved by the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), and another 44 will be designated as affordable apartments, ensuring the development continues Southbridge’s commitment to providing housing options for residents of all income levels.
Chicago Yimby reports that the 12-story tower’s design complements the existing Southbridge aesthetic, blending modern materials with pedestrian-friendly street activation. The building will feature 1,500 square feet of retail space at ground level, facing both 23rd Street and State Street, to encourage local business and community interaction. The residential entrance will front State Street, enhancing accessibility and urban flow.
Inside, residents will enjoy a suite of amenities including a shared rooftop deck, a community room, a dog wash station, and a bike storage room. In alignment with the city’s sustainability and mobility goals, no vehicle parking is included in this phase, promoting public transit and alternative transportation options.
McHugh Construction serves as general contractor, with McHugh Concrete handling foundation and structural work. The project will require an extensive workforce of skilled trades throughout construction, including:
Concrete and Reinforcing Steel Workers for the deep foundation and superstructure.
Carpenters and Drywall Installers for framing and interior buildouts.
Electricians and Plumbers for new residential-grade MEP systems.
Glaziers and Finishers for curtain wall installation and interior detailing.
The precision of early-phase construction — particularly the deep foundation and podium structure — will set the tone for efficient vertical progress as crews prepare for the tower’s rise. Once the full building permit is issued, the project will progress rapidly into superstructure and facade installation.
Phase 1C continues the momentum of the larger Southbridge master plan, which is revitalizing an 11-acre site at 23rd and State Street. Earlier phases — 1A and 1B — were completed in 2022 and include a pair of six-story mixed-income buildings with 103 apartments at 2310 and 2344 South State Street. Together, the phases are reestablishing the area as a vibrant, mixed-use community anchored by transit access, walkability, and equitable housing.
The Chicago City Council approved $11.9 million in TIF funding for the Phase 1C development, as well as the sale of city-owned land to The Community Builders. This funding structure, coupled with CHA’s involvement, underscores the city’s long-term commitment to replacing legacy public housing with inclusive, mixed-income neighborhoods.
The site offers strong transit connectivity, making it ideal for residents who rely on public transportation. The building is within walking distance of:
CTA Route 29 bus directly outside the site
Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line station (one block north)
Route 21 bus stops along Cermak
Cermak-Chinatown Red Line station (three blocks northwest)
Routes 1 and 4 on Michigan Avenue, just two blocks east
This prime transit-served location eliminates the need for dedicated parking while improving access to jobs, education, and recreation throughout the city.
Gensler and Nia Architects have envisioned a building that not only meets the practical needs of its residents but also contributes to the architectural identity of the neighborhood. The use of durable materials, street-level activation, and rooftop social spaces ensures that the project will remain a long-term asset to the community.
Phase 1C will also generate significant construction employment, supporting Chicago’s skilled trades with steady, high-value work. From concrete crews to finish carpenters, the project continues to highlight the essential role of union labor and craftsmanship in the city’s ongoing housing revival.
The full construction permit — which lists 13 stories instead of 12 — is currently pending, and once approved, will mark the beginning of the tower’s vertical construction phase. With completion expected in the next two years, Southbridge Phase 1C represents another milestone in reshaping the Near South Side into a dynamic, inclusive, and transit-friendly residential community.
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