Glassy 31-story tower ready to dig in along Printer’s Row

A new apartment tower is ready to quietly break ground at 717 S. Clark Street in downtown’s Printer’s Row neighborhood. The high-rise project received the all-clear to begin work on its foundation and first four levels, according to a recently issued construction permit.

The development will rise 31 floors—two more than the 29-story tower presented at last month’s 4th Ward town hall meeting hosted by Alderman Sophia King. Meanwhile, the amount of on-site parking has increased substantially from 96 to 192 spaces, according to information listed on the permit.

HPA

The number of residential units will remain at 349—one shy of triggering a review by the city. By staying below 350 apartments, the proposed development was able to move forward “as of right” without having to wait for a zoning change.

Developed by CMK Companies and designed by Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, 717 S. Clark Street replaces the former Palmer Printing building and parking lot. Palmer, which was Printer’s Row last operating printing company, sold the property to CMK for $14 million in early 2018, reported Crain’s at the time.

With permit in hand, the upcoming apartment tower can begin foundation work immediately, provided financing is fully in place. Similar to many tall buildings in Chicago, the Clark Street project will get a construction permit for its upper levels at a later date.

• New construction permit at 717 S. Clark Street [Chicago Cityscape]
• Glassy apartment tower in the works for Printer’s Row [Curbed Chicago]
• Previous Printer’s Row coverage [Curbed Chicago]