Plan for 20-story Fulton Market high-rise to debut next week

While new high-rises break cover in Chicago’s hot West Loop seemingly every week, few projects have sought the kind of height MCZ Development is expected to request next week for the site of the Fabbri Sausage plant at 166 N. Aberdeen. Designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB), the proposed tower would rise an unprecedented (at least for the area) 20 stories and contain 236 dwelling units—likely rentals—plus 5,000 square feet of retail space and garage parking for 80 vehicles.

According to Crain’s, the developer acquired the Fabbri site in mid 2015 for $6 million. Perhaps no better illustration of the area’s skyrocketing property values, the sale price was double what previous owner Drapac Group USA reportedly paid for the land in 2014. The parcel in question is just across the street from 171 N. Aberdeen where MCZ is currently building an 11-story combination office and apartment project.

Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture

The West Loop Community Organization will provide MCZ a forum to present its latest plans to neighbors on Wednesday, April 26th at 6:00 PM at Catalyst Ranch (656 W. Randolph Street). Considering the public outcry over the height of the 13-story office project that was recently approved for nearby 210 N. Carpenter, this taller 20-story proposal will undoubtedly draw criticism from concerned residents.

It will also be interesting to see what kind of reception the project gets from 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. The local elected official recently made comments that seven or so developers were “gang-rushing” his office with 15-18 story proposals after he entertained plans for a similarly sized tower at the corner of Fulton and Ogden.

• Community Meeting April 26th for Development on Aberdeen [West Loop Community Organization]
• Why has this sausage factory doubled in value since September? [Crain’s]
• 'Greedy' Developers 'Gang-Rushing' To Build In Fulton Market, Alderman Says [DNAinfo]
• Previous West Loop coverage [Curbed Chicago]