Old Town is set for a major transformation with the now-approved Old Town Canvas, a residential high-rise planned for 1610 N LaSalle Drive. The project, which has been in development for several years, has undergone significant revisions following opposition from local residents and Alderman Brian Hopkins. The final approved version represents a scaled-down plan that balances development with community concerns while preserving key features of the original proposal.
Originally envisioned as a 44-story, 480-foot tower with 500 residential units, the proposal faced strong pushback from area residents, particularly those already living in high-rises nearby. After months of negotiations and revisions, developer Fern Hill secured approval for a smaller version of the project, reducing the height to 379 feet and scaling back the number of residential units to 349.
Despite these reductions, the project will still introduce a modern high-rise to Old Town’s historic streetscape. Designed by GREC Architects, the development will incorporate contemporary aesthetics while maintaining the character of its surroundings.
Residential Units: 349 apartments, with 70 designated as affordable housing, meeting the city’s 20% affordability requirement.
Parking Spaces: The total parking count has been reduced from 450 to 333 spaces, accommodating residents, employees, and members of Moody Church.
Retail Presence: The ground-floor Walgreens remains part of the plan, ensuring continued commercial activity in the area.
Traffic and Infrastructure Improvements: To address congestion and pedestrian safety concerns, Fern Hill is funding several upgrades, including:
New curb extensions to shorten pedestrian crossing times and improve safety.
A protected right-turn lane from LaSalle Drive to North Avenue to streamline traffic flow.
A dedicated North Avenue bus stop lane to support public transit efficiency.
A new Divvy bike-share station on Wells Street to encourage alternative transportation options.
Demolition of the nearby BP and Shell gas stations to repurpose land for improved urban planning.
Chicago Yimby reports that the Old Town Canvas project represents a compromise between developers and the local community. While the original plan aimed for greater density, the final version reflects concerns about neighborhood congestion, safety, and urban aesthetics.
One notable element of the agreement is that Fern Hill must secure a grocery store tenant for the former Treasure Island site within 3.5 years. Although a grocery store was always part of the developer’s vision, the density reduction means a loss of nearly $1 million in potential city tax revenue.
Additionally, Alderman Hopkins has suggested that the scaled-down project could contribute to reducing crime in the area—an issue that was cited in the rejection of the original proposal.
With the development now approved, Fern Hill can proceed with securing final city approvals and funding. However, an official timeline for groundbreaking and construction remains unknown. Given the complexity of the project and the commitments tied to its approval, further details are expected to emerge in the coming months.
The Old Town Canvas project reflects a growing trend in urban development where high-rise construction is carefully integrated with community feedback and infrastructure improvements. While some residents may still have reservations about the scale of the development, the project’s inclusion of affordable housing, transportation enhancements, and retail continuity suggests a forward-thinking approach to city planning.
As Chicago continues to evolve, projects like Old Town Canvas will play a critical role in shaping the future of its neighborhoods, blending history with modern urban living.
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