Glassy high-rise hotel cleared to begin construction in Chicago’s River North

Chicago DPD

A vacant lot at the corner of Chicago’s Clark and Huron streets is finally ready to begin its transformation into a high-rise hotel. Located just across the street from competing hotels such as the Godfrey and Felix, the parcel was awarded a foundation construction permit calling for a new 17-story tower with 185 guest rooms, ground floor retail space, a rooftop restaurant, and no on-site parking.

Akara Partners has long eyed the property at 100-110 W. Huron for redevelopment. The Chicago-based developer initially envisioned a mid-rise condo project for the site before pivoting its plan to hospitality. The latest design of Akara’s glassy 180-foot building comes from NORR Architects.

The Clark and Huron hotel was initially approved by the City of Chicago to include a maximum of 200 guest rooms. Considering the developer went back before the Plan Commission in November seeking additional density to build a combined 215 rooms, the key count of 185 appearing on yesterday’s permit presents a bit of a head-scratcher.

Could the inclusion of the word “residential” suggest that the project has traded guest rooms for an apartment component?

New construction permit at 110 W Huron St in Chicago

***direct developer peer review pilot program*** foundation systems only for proposed 17-story, 185 key hotel with residential, roof top restaurant, and ground floor retail

Update: According to architect Wil Bruchmann of NORR, the 185 room count cited on the permit is a carryover from the original permit application. The final number will be 206 guest rooms. The development team aims to correct this figure with the city prior to the issuance of 110 W. Huron’s full build-out permit.

• New construction permit at 110 W. Huron St in Chicago [Chicago Cityscape]
• High-rise hotels among new projects approved by Plan Commission [Curbed Chicago]
• Previous River North coverage [Curbed Chicago]