Foundation work finally begins on Chicago’s Nobu Hotel

Modif Architecture

At long last, Chicago’s highly anticipated Nobu Hotel in the Fulton Market District is under construction. Despite celebrating a ceremonial ground breaking back in June and landing its construction permit in December, the 11-story development located at the northeast corner of Randolph and Peoria is finally moving forward in earnest.

Though formal ground breaking events, demolition of pre-existing structures, and other forms of site prep are clear signs that a new development is likely approaching, construction isn’t really considered underway until foundation work begins. In Chicago, that typically means drilling supportive underground piers—known as caissons—used to anchor larger buildings in the soft, clay-rich soil.

Two such drilling rigs were spotted by a reader at the Nobu site parked next to a recently drilled caisson and large pile of freshly extracted earth. With the Nobu Hotel finally moving forward, it won’t be long before the booming West Loop sees yet another new construction crane tower overhead.

Designed by Modif Architecture, the hotel is expected to contain 119 guest rooms and a 10,000-square-foot Nobu restaurant from namesake star chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Plans also call for an indoor pool, event space, and a rooftop lounge.

When Nobu Chicago eventually opens for business it will face an increasingly crowded West Loop boutique hotel market. Other upcoming nearby projects include the Ace Hotel, the Hoxton, and the yet-to-be-revealed Equinox hotel.

Provided

• Chicago’s Nobu Hotel finally ready to begin construction? [Curbed Chicago]
• Redesigned Nobu Hotel ‘Breaks Ground’ But Still Faces Key Hurdles [Curbed Chicago]