Two high-rise hotels among new projects approved by Chicago Plan Commission

Today, the Chicago Plan Commission voted on a wide range of developments at its November meeting. Plan Commission review is a vital step and a clear indicator of future developments headed to the Windy City. Though a secondary vote by the full Chicago City Council is required for all zoning changes, amendments to the Lakefront Protection Ordinance, and Planned Developments (PDs) to go into effect, here’s a look at what was approved this morning.

100-110 W. Huron

↑ Contrary to earlier (apparently incorrect) zoning documents that showed this previously-approved hotel tower headed back to the Plan Commission for more density but no change in guest rooms, 100-110 W. Huron will indeed grow from 200 to 215 keys. In addition to the bump in rooms, the 17-story River North project penned by NORR Architects has also received a redesign and looks considerably sleeker compared to what was presented earlier this year. The amendment comes with a $148,601 contribution to Chicago’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund for future discretionary reinvestment in economically blighted areas of the city.

1101 S. Wabash

↑ While the underlying zoning for this 281-room, 306-foot South Loop hotel tower allowed it to move forward as-of-right, the site at 1101 S. Wabash fell under the private use zone of the Lake Michigan and Chicago Lakefront Protection Ordinance and still required a nod from the Plan Commission. Developed by Hinsdale-based S.B. Yen Management Group and penned by local architect Lothan Van Hook DeStefano, the glassy blue-tinted tower appears to have already started construction earlier this week.

905 W. Fulton

↑ New York real estate developer Thor Equities’ request to rezone properties at 901-905 W. Fulton and 214-232 N. Peoria St was approved by the commission. The plan for the block involves restoring two existing buildings that contribute to the Fulton Landmark district and constructing a new five-story brick-clad office structure at 905 W. Fulton (shown on the right in the above rendering). The developer will make a payment of $721,848 to the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund.

2801 W. 47th Street

↑ This commission passed a map amendment to the Brighton Park Industrial Corridor that would rezone the property at 2801 W. 47th Street on Chicago’s south west side from Light Industry to Commercial. The adjustment allows the construction of the Brighton Park Esperanza Health Center and an accompanying 171-stall surface parking lot. The angular three-story building comes from Chicago-based architecture firm JGMA.

1929 S. Prairie

↑ Similar to the Wabash hotel, this townhouse development of twelve, four-story homes required approval under the Chicago Lakefront Protection Ordinance despite not requiring a zoning change. Located at the northeast corner of Prairie and Cullerton, this South Loop property is currently a surface parking lot.

Kostner & Roosevelt

↑ The Plan Commission also approved a measure that establishes two separate Planned Developments (PDs) within the Roosevelt Cicero Industrial Corridor in the North Lawndale neighborhood. The first subarea is seven acres in size and will be redeveloped for approximately 160,000 square feet of industrial use. The four-acre second subarea would support 175,000 square feet of future commercial/retail.

• Plan Commission November agenda [City of Chicago]
• Theatre on the Lake renovation among projects passed by Chicago Plan Commission [Curbed Chicago]
• Taller Nobu Hotel, other projects approved by Chicago Plan Commission [Curbed Chicago]

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