Three new residential projects could completely transform this River North block

This week, no less than three new residential projects slated for the River North block bordered by Erie, LaSalle, Huron, and Wells either broke cover or showed meaningful signs of progress. Sandwiched between several new high-rises, the redevelopment of this underutilized block with its parking lots and low-rise auto body shop was perhaps an inevitability. Here’s what’s on the way.

676 N. LaSalle - FLATS River North

Cedar Street/Booth Hansen

Jay Koziarz

↑ First up is the well-documented plan by developer Cedar Street Cos. for 676 N. LaSalle. Plans call for converting the existing industrial building into new FLATS-branded apartments and constructing a glassy eight-story addition designed by Booth Hansen. The transit-oriented project would feature 149 rental units and just 20 parking spaces. While the parking lot in question has been fenced-off for some time, crews were present this week to dismantle a steel billboard support that obstructed the site.

675 N. Wells - Lennar apartments

Stone Real Esate

Jay Koziarz

↑ Meanwhile, the parking lot at the western edge of the block fronting Wells Street saw crews remove its freestanding billboard as well. This work could signal the imminent start of construction on a roughly 15-story project from Miami-based developer Lennar Multifamily Community. Known as 675 N. Wells, the development would deliver 180 rental units, an unspecified amount of interior parking, and new ground floor retail to the booming neighborhood. With zoning reportedly in place, this one could land construction permits and begin any day.

146 W. Erie - Bentham Condos

Jay Koziarz

↑ The third project headed to the block is a new condo development expected to replace the recently shuttered Erie-LaSalle Body Shop located at the corner of—you guessed it—Erie and LaSalle. Known as “The Bentham,” the new project comes from Sedgwick Development and will feature three-bedroom residences starting at $1.3 million.

While the Betham’s design, unit count, and architect are unknown, the website of Jameson|Sotheby's International Realty shows a ghost-like outline of the proposed multi-story building. It’s unclear how far along the condo project is with regards to city approvals, but the existing body shop—and another one of those pesky River North billboards—will need to be removed.

• Proposed 180-Unit Rental Tower Would Replace River North Parking Lot [Curbed Chicago]
• Glassy Addition Planned for River North Apartment Proposal [Curbed Chicago]
• River North archives [Curbed Chicago]