Community feedback sought for 160-unit Noble Square apartment plan

A 58-unit Gold Coast apartment project isn’t the only new development expected to be the topic of a public meeting this evening. Tonight, Noble Square residents will weigh-in on a five-story rental proposal for a 50,000-square-foot vacant lot at the 1300 block of W. Walton Street. Currently owned by the adjacent Polish Roman Catholic Union, the site is under contract with Naperville-based developer the Marquette Cos.

The firm hopes to deliver 160 rental units and 111 parking spaces in a new building designed by Chicago architecture firm Brininstool + Lynch. The structure would be clad in brick, metal, and a fiber cement known as Nichiha. To better compliment its single-family neighbors, the plan includes 17 two-story townhouses fronting Walton. This low-rise portion would be topped by a communal indoor/outdoor amenity space with a pool deck, party room, and fitness center.

Photo by Jay Koziarz

While the project was revealed to a small group of neighbors back in April, tonight’s meeting is expected to be attended by Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th). Earning the elected official’s nod is an important part of the process and is vital to the developers’ requested zoning change from single family homes to a mixed-use designation. The alderman has yet to take a formal position on the proposal.

Marquette’s presentation is slated for 6:00 PM tonight at the Polish Roman Catholic Union building at 948 N. Milwaukee. According to DNAinfo, the proposed development has also been rebranded under the official name of “Marq at Noble Square.”

• Proposed 160-unit Noble Square apartment development breaks cover [Curbed Chicago]
• Previous Noble Square coverage [Curbed Chicago]