Design study shows potential high-rise makeover for Uptown grocer

Much like the Sinclair apartments in the Gold Coast, a new architectural design study is looking to upgrade an existing Chicago grocer with a larger store topped by a high-rise residential tower. Though the plan appeared on the website of OKW Architects under the title of a mixed-use development for an “undisclosed location,” it didn’t take much sleuthing by a forum member at SkyscraperPage to determine the site as the Jewel at 4355 N. Sheridan Road in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood.

Given its proximity to the CTA, the low-slung retail structure and attached large surface parking lot would make a pretty ideal candidate for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). According to its designers, the high-rise plan would even be executed in such a way to allow the Jewel to remain open throughout construction.

At this point, it’s important to note that rendering and information shared on OWK’s page is little more than a design exercise showing what could be built at the site. Should the property owner decide to pursue such a project in earnest, an extensive public engagement process and requisite zoning change would likely need to first take place.

Google Maps

• Mixed-Use Development for Undisclosed location [OKW Architects]
• Tower of Jewel - Uptown version [SkyscraperPage]
• Previous Uptown coverage [Curbed Chicago]