The Chicago City Council has officially approved a new residential development at 3746 South Michigan Avenue in Bronzeville, clearing the path for permitting and construction to move forward. The midblock site, located near the intersection of South Michigan Avenue and East 37th Place, is currently vacant and will be transformed into a multi-building residential complex.
The $24 million project is being developed by Capricorn Design + Build LLC and designed by Hanna Architects. To accommodate the scope of development, the site will be rezoned from RM-5 to RM-5.5 with a Planned Development designation, allowing for increased density and coordinated site planning across multiple structures.
Chicago Yimby reports that Construction is expected to begin in March 2026, with the first building targeted for completion in December 2027.
Four Distinct Masonry Buildings
The approved plan calls for four separate residential buildings, each rising four stories and reaching approximately 53 feet in height. Although the structures share a consistent height and massing profile, architectural differentiation is achieved through varied brick colors and roof treatments.
Each building is designed as an articulated brick masonry structure, reinforcing Bronzeville’s historic architectural character. The façades feature front balconies overlooking Michigan Avenue, creating an active street presence and enhancing pedestrian engagement.
To further distinguish the buildings, the design incorporates either masonry cornices or metal mansard roofs. This combination of traditional masonry detailing and varied rooflines adds visual interest while maintaining a cohesive streetscape.
From a construction standpoint, mid-rise masonry buildings of this scale typically rely on reinforced concrete foundations, structural framing systems, and load-bearing masonry walls. Articulated brickwork and cornice detailing require skilled masonry trades and careful sequencing during façade installation.
Unit Mix and Residential Density
Across the four buildings, the development will deliver a total of 90 apartments. Buildings A and D will each contain 22 units, while Buildings B and C will each contain 23 units.
The residential program includes:
- 19 one-bedroom units
- 71 two-bedroom units
This unit mix reflects a strong emphasis on larger layouts, supporting households seeking multi-bedroom apartments in a transit-accessible urban neighborhood.
To meet Affordable Requirements Ordinance obligations, 18 of the 90 units will be designated as affordable, set at an average of 60 percent of Area Median Income. Integrating affordable units within the overall building envelope requires coordination of interior layouts and compliance with housing standards, but does not alter the exterior massing.
Parking, Bike Storage, and Amenity Design
Each building will include 14 parking spaces, divided between nine interior basement spaces and five exterior spaces located along the rear alley. Constructing basement parking requires excavation, waterproofing systems, and structural slab design capable of supporting residential loads above.
In addition to vehicle parking, each building will provide 26 bicycle parking spaces located in the basement. Integrating bike storage into lower levels requires adequate ceiling height, secure access control, and coordination with mechanical systems to ensure ventilation and safety.
Residents will also have access to shared rooftop decks atop each building. Rooftop amenity construction involves structural reinforcement, waterproof membranes, guardrail installation, and durable walking surfaces designed to withstand Chicago’s seasonal weather conditions.
Construction Timeline and Phasing
With City Council approval secured, the developer can now proceed to the permitting phase. Construction is expected to begin in March 2026, with a phased build-out strategy likely to allow sequential completion of the buildings.
Given the four-building configuration, construction sequencing will be critical. Contractors will need to coordinate:
- Site grading and utility installation
- Foundation and basement excavation for each structure
- Structural framing and masonry installation
- Roofing and waterproofing
- Interior mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Balcony and façade detailing
- Final site work and landscaping
Phased completion allows early delivery of units while work continues on subsequent buildings, helping manage cash flow and workforce scheduling.
Construction Trades Involved
A development of this scale engages a broad range of skilled trades, including:
- Site preparation and excavation crews
- Concrete foundation and slab contractors
- Structural framing specialists
- Masonry contractors and bricklayers
- Roofing and waterproofing installers
- Balcony and metal fabrication teams
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades
- Fire protection system installers
- Elevator contractors
- Drywall and interior finishing crews
- Flooring and painting contractors
- Landscaping and hardscape crews
Strengthening the Michigan Avenue Corridor
The 3746 South Michigan project introduces mid-rise density along a stretch of Michigan Avenue that includes vacant parcels and underutilized land. By delivering four architecturally consistent yet visually varied buildings, the development reinforces the corridor’s residential character while adding 90 new housing units.
From a construction perspective, the project represents a steady pipeline of masonry mid-rise work, basement parking installation, and rooftop amenity construction. With permitting now underway and groundbreaking targeted for early 2026, this Bronzeville development is positioned to move from approved plans to active construction in the coming year.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 3746-3766 South Michigan Avenue Residential Development Bronzeville - Chicago (0001122925)
