Chicago’s River North is set for another major transformation as ZSD Corp prepares to launch RiverWard, a nine-story mixed-use residential project at 310 W. Huron Street. Approved by the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals, the project will redevelop a surface parking lot at the corner of Huron and Orleans streets into a striking new residential and retail hub. With 149 apartments, new retail space, and a range of amenities, RiverWard is expected to be completed by 2027.
The RiverWard development will combine residential units, green space, and retail into one thoughtfully designed structure. The building will span the full block from N. Franklin Street to N. Orleans Street, strategically located next to the Brown and Purple L lines for excellent transit access. Its location qualifies it as a transit-oriented development (TOD), allowing a reduction in parking requirements from 65 spaces to 21, reflecting a shift toward more sustainable urban living.
Total Units: 149 apartments plus 11 duplexes with private terraces
Unit Types: Studios, convertibles, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments
Duplex Layouts: Positioned along the west end of the building, each with outdoor patios recessed and landscaped with screening and planters
Design: Apartments will emphasize modern living with efficient layouts, ample natural light, and direct access to green outdoor spaces
Residents of RiverWard will have access to:
A rooftop deck with expansive views of the River North skyline
Indoor lounge and co-working space on the top floor
A modern fitness center
Green space along N. Orleans Street
Secure package and mail rooms, plus indoor bike storage
The Chicago Sun Times reports that the top-floor amenity spaces are designed to foster community while providing residents with opportunities to work, relax, and socialize without leaving the building.
The ground floor of RiverWard will integrate:
3,800 sq. ft. of retail space, fronting N. Franklin and W. Huron Streets
A residential lobby with office space, mailroom, and package storage
Eleven duplex residences with private outdoor terraces
By including both retail and residential components, the design ensures the building will serve as an active part of the neighborhood at street level.
Designed with contemporary materials and varied facade treatments, RiverWard will bring visual interest to the corridor:
Lower Levels: Brick cladding along the ground and second floors to blend with River North’s architectural context
Upper Levels: A mix of black and dark gray standing seam siding and box rib metal panels arranged in a random pattern
Building Massing: A rectangular volume broken into distinct facade segments for a modern, textured aesthetic
RiverWard’s construction will create opportunities across multiple trades, including:
Excavation and Foundation Crews: To prepare and stabilize the site
Concrete and Masonry Workers: For structural frames, podium, and brick facades
Steel Installers: For framing and facade support systems
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Specialists: To ensure efficient systems for heating, cooling, water, and power distribution
Glazing Contractors: For window walls and ground-level retail storefronts
Interior Finish Trades: Carpenters, drywall installers, painters, and flooring specialists
Landscapers: To implement outdoor terraces, streetscapes, and green spaces
This range of specialized labor highlights the project’s complexity and underscores its role as a significant construction job generator for Chicago’s workforce.
By converting a parking lot into a dynamic residential and retail property, RiverWard aligns with broader urban revitalization goals. With fewer parking spaces, increased reliance on public transit, and new green spaces, the project emphasizes sustainability. It also delivers much-needed housing diversity in River North, providing units for singles, families, and professionals alike.
RiverWard is more than a residential project; it is a forward-looking investment in River North’s urban fabric. Blending architectural detail, modern amenities, retail activation, and sustainable design, the project represents the kind of mixed-use development that continues to reshape Chicago’s neighborhoods. By 2027, RiverWard will stand as both a symbol of River North’s evolution and a new home for hundreds of residents.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 310 West Huron Street Mixed Use Development River North - Chicago (0047042225)