New two-story retail development on its way to Chicago’s Chinatown

Near South Planning Board

Last week, the City of Chicago issued a new foundation-only construction permit for a two-story garage and retail complex slated for the intersection of 23rd Street, Archer, and Canal in Chinatown. Spotted by the keen-eyed users on the Chicago forum at Skyscraper Page, the upcoming development will include 40 micro-sized “commercial condo units” and parking for 74 vehicles.

The project at 2300 S. Archer, which replaces a three-story brick building and a low-slung commercial structure, comes from Skyriver Developer, LLC. The firm went before the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) in October and was granted a series of variances including a smaller front setback and a 20 percent reduction in required on-site parking. The permit also lists William Motley of MWorks Architects as the structure’s lead designer.

While some US cities have seen their respective Chinatowns shrink or even disappear in recent years, Chicago’s community continues to thrive. The future looks brighter still for the near South Side neighborhood with a new road connection and a massive 62-acre mixed-use project in the works to bridge Chinatown and the South Loop.

• New construction permit at 2300 S. Archer Avenue [Chicago Cityscape]
• Previous Chinatown coverage [Curbed Chicago]