20-story boutique office project could replace Chicago Loop parking garage

As work wraps up on the topped-off LINEA apartment tower at 215 W. Lake, the efforts of architect-developer Thomas Roszak could shift to a loft-style office project envisioned for 145 S. Wells in Chicago’s Loop. According to renderings recently posted on Roszak’s website, the roughly 20-story tower would feature a contrasting maze-like facade and an indoor/outdoor tenant amenity space with fire pits, table tennis, a wading pool and a bar.

Thomas Roszak Architecture

Currently a four-level parking deck known as South Wells Garage, the site is zoned as DC-16 Downtown Core District—one of Chicago’s most dense designations. With such hefty zoning allowances already in place, it’s possible that 145 S. Wells could move forward “as-of-right” with minimal engagement with the city or public. With that being said, the fate of the project will undoubtedly be determined by the developers’ ability to finance and lease out the new building.

While larger Class A office projects like 110 N. Wacker typically rely on signing large anchor tenants to jump-start the construction process, the boutique sub-market tends to be more speculative and fluid. Though 145 S. Wells would face competition from the gaggle of high-tech loft office projects cropping up in places like Fulton Market, River North, the Clybourn Corridor, the Roszak-designed proposal could be especially well positioned thanks to its location in the heart of the Loop proper. The development site is also steps from the soon-to-be-overhauled Quincy/Wells CTA station.

Additional renderings of 145 S. Wells can be found on TRA’s official webpage.

Thomas Roszak Architecture

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• 145 S. Wells [Thomas Roszak Architecture]
• Chicago Loop archive [Curbed Chicago]