The Chicago Plan Commission has approved a proposal from developer North Wells Capital and NORR Architects for a 15 story office tower at 301 W. Huron Street and a six story addition to an existing commercial building at 308 W. Erie Street according to Chicago Curbed. This project will replace a pair of River North parking lots.
The proposal will consist of the following:
- New office space
- Ground floor retail
- Tenant amenities
- Garage screened by a kinetic wall of hinged flappers that will undulate in the breeze
The $61 million downtown project will contribute $3.22 million into the city's Neighborhood Opportunity Fund. The payment will be reinvested as small business grants in underserved neighborhoods in Chicago's South and West sides.
The developer also is planning on building a third River North office building at 320 W. Huron Street but those plans have not yet been revealed to the public.
Per Twitter.com, the proposal includes a 90 foot tall addition to 308 W. Erie and a new 226 foot tall building at 301 W. Huron.
Rendering by Architect
According to RE Journals, North Wells Capital bought the existing 45,000 square foot building at 308 W. Erie Street in May 2017 and had plans to double its size to about 90,000 square feet. The expansion would blend the existing brick and timber loft, with modernized improvements that include a new rooftop amenity and lobby space as well as new elevators, restrooms and upgraded mechanical systems.
"For four decades our firm has been a leader in making River North a vibrant community for people to live, work and shop. This area around Huron and Franklin continues to see strong demand for office space, new upscale residences, retail stores and restaurant options."
North Wells CEO | Jim Fox
Groundbreaking is planned for the fourth quarter of 2019, with NORR serving as architect and ARCO/Murray acting as general contractor.
Urban Innovations bought the surface parking lot at 301 W. Huron Street in 1998 as part of a larger portfolio. This new Class A building, also designed by NORR, will feature the following amenities:
- Significant outdoor Space
- Fitness Center
- Conference Center
The firm is looking for a tenant at this time to anchor a 162,000 square foot office development.
North Wells Capital acquired the surface parking lot on Huron Street between Orleans and Franklin Streets earlier this year. A residential project had previously been planned before North Wells bought the site, but the mixed-use zoning also allowed for office and ground floor retail. North Wells is working with architect Solomon Cordwell Buenz to finalize the plans for a commercial office building on this site. The plans will include large floor plates and many amenities.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 301 West Huron Street Multi Use Development River North - Chicago (0071040919)
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 308 West Erie Street Multi Use Development River North - Chicago (0070040919)
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - 320 West Huron Street Office Building River North - Chicago (0031080619)