Revised Gold Coast apartment proposal to get public debut

Booth Hansen

After filing an updated zoning application with the City of Chicago last week, the development team behind an eight-story apartment proposal will formally reveal their plans to Gold Coast residents this evening. Developed by Draper & Kramer and designed by Chicago-based architecture firm Booth Hansen, the long-discussed project would replace a high-profile parking lot fronting N. Lake Shore Drive.

Known by its address of 61-65 E. Banks, the roughly 115-foot structure would contain a mix of 58 two- and three-bedroom rental units. While previous documents suggested that 42 parking stalls would be located on-site, that figure has apparently grown to 68 below-grade valet spaces. The most recent design expands the amount of bike parking and includes a “re-imagined” rooftop amenity level. Special efforts will also be made to mitigate sound from the building’s mechanical equipment.

Tonight’s public presentation will be hosted by the Gold Coast Neighbors Association and Ald. Michele Smith (43rd). It is scheduled for 6:30 PM at the Chicago History Museum located at 1601 N. Clark Street. Despite local residents defeating an earlier plan for a 40-story tower at the site, the current eight-story project is still expected to raise some objections over traffic, blocked views, and design contextualism.

• Upcoming Community Presentation for Proposed Redevelopment at 61-65 E Banks Street [43rd Ward]
• Gold Coast apartment project finally moving forward? [Curbed Chicago]
• Gold Coast Development Scaled Way Down After Major Legal Battle With City [DNAinfo]