Zoning has officially been approved for a new residential development at 2606 South Peoria Street in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, positioning the project as another example of compact urban infill responding to growing housing demand. The site sits at the intersection of South Peoria Street and West 27th Street, just one block from Palmisano Park and immediately south of the Stevenson Expressway.
The parcel itself is a distinctive wedge-shaped vacant lot that has remained undeveloped for years, largely due to its irregular geometry and proximity to major infrastructure. With zoning variances now approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals, the site is finally set to transition from underutilized land into a mid-rise residential building that introduces new density into a rapidly evolving area.
The project is being led by local developer Henry Tran, with architectural design services provided by Vari Architects. The proposal was originally introduced last year and has since been refined to align with zoning requirements and neighborhood context.
The new development will rise five storeys and reach approximately 60 feet in height. The building’s form responds directly to the unusual site shape, using a simple and efficient massing strategy to maximize the buildable footprint while maintaining compliance with local zoning setbacks.
Architecturally, the building will be clad in masonry with punched window openings, reinforcing a durable and understated aesthetic that fits within the surrounding residential fabric. The design does not rely on elaborate facade articulation or extensive glazing. Instead, it emphasizes straightforward construction methods and long-term performance, making it well suited for a mid-scale rental or condominium project.
Given its location adjacent to the expressway and along a busy corridor, the project prioritizes functional design over ornamental elements, focusing on sound construction, structural efficiency, and practical layouts.
Chicago Yimby reports that the five-storey building will contain a total of 29 residential units, distributed across the four upper floors above a ground-level parking podium. The unit mix has been designed with families and long-term residents in mind, rather than micro-units or short-term rental layouts.
The breakdown includes:
2 one-bedroom units
17 two-bedroom units
10 three-bedroom units
This configuration reflects a deliberate shift toward larger household formats, catering to small and growing families who are increasingly seeking urban housing near transit, parks, and employment centers.
Six of the total units will be designated as affordable, helping to meet city housing objectives and ensuring a level of income diversity within the building.
Due to the site’s location near the Stevenson Expressway and the geometry of the lot, the ground floor will be largely dedicated to parking and building services. The first level will include a small residential lobby and a structured parking garage with capacity for 25 vehicles.
Unlike many newer developments that minimize parking in favor of transit access, this project takes a more balanced approach. The inclusion of on-site parking reflects the realities of family-oriented housing and the need for vehicle access in this part of the South Side.
The garage will be fully enclosed within the building envelope, maintaining a clean street frontage and avoiding exposed parking decks. This approach supports both visual continuity and long-term building performance.
With zoning variances approved, the development team can now move forward with detailed permitting and contractor procurement. Although a formal construction timeline has not yet been announced, approvals have been secured relatively quickly, suggesting the project could proceed to the building permit stage within months.
Once permits are issued, construction is expected to follow a conventional mid-rise residential schedule, likely involving:
Site preparation and foundation work
Concrete or masonry structural framing
Building envelope installation
Interior build-out and systems integration
Given the scale and simplicity of the design, total construction duration is expected to be in the range of 14 to 18 months once ground is broken.
The 2606 South Peoria Street project will support a wide range of construction trades, including:
Demolition and site preparation crews
Excavation and foundation contractors
Concrete formwork and placement teams
Structural masonry installers
Framing carpenters
Roofing contractors
Window and glazing installers
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades
Fire protection and life safety systems
Drywall and interior finishing crews
Flooring and tile installers
Elevator contractors
Landscaping and hardscape contractors
General labor and site logistics teams
As with most mid-rise residential projects, the majority of workforce demand will be concentrated in concrete, masonry, mechanical systems, and interior finishes.
While not a large-scale tower or master-planned development, the 2606 South Peoria Street project represents exactly the kind of incremental density Chicago needs. It converts a long-vacant site into productive housing, introduces affordable units, and supports family-oriented living without overwhelming the neighborhood.
Its proximity to Palmisano Park, transit corridors, and nearby commercial areas also makes it a strategically located infill project that strengthens Bridgeport’s residential fabric. As Chinatown continues to expand southward and demand for housing intensifies, developments like this will play a critical role in absorbing growth through practical, buildable, and community-scaled construction.
For contractors, suppliers, and trades, this project reflects a steady pipeline of small-to-mid-scale urban residential work that remains one of the most reliable segments in Chicago’s current development landscape.