Development Proposal
On Monday, August 8, 2016, representatives from Acosta Ezgur, Fitzgerald Architects, and Crayton Advisors presented a proposed 168 ft (15-story) building along Peoria between Adams and Jackson (211 S. Peoria/855 W. Adams).
The building, which would replace an existing two-story commercial building and parking lot, would include 267 residential rental units with 218 private (leased) parking spaces (0.8 ratio). The units would range in size from an average of 570 sq ft (studio) to 1,060 sq ft (two bedroom). The developer noted that the units could be converted from apartments to condos in the future.
The development would include ground-floor residential along Peoria, 4,000 sq ft of retail along Adams, an outdoor space on the roof, and a fitness center, club room, pool, outdoor space, dog walk, and business center. The building would include indoor space for adjacent Sonnets Academy, which would remain and continue to operate during construction.
The building would apply architectural aspects of surrounding buildings, specifically red brick with “terra cotta” style masonry. Half of the building roof would include green space, and additional area would be set aside for a dog run. A 6 ft wide sidewalk would be provided around the building along Adams.
These proposed building would require a zoning change from DS-3 with a 3.0 FAR to a DX-7 Planned Development. In addition, the developer plans to use the Neighborhood Opportunity Bonus to increase the FAR to 8.0 FAR (pre-bonus FAR of 7.0). This would require a $780k payment for the bonus.
The developer stated that a traffic study in process and will be provided when complete.
Committee Feedback
- Height – The committee felt that the building as proposed is too tall at 168 ft. The group felt that 850 W Adams (90 ft) is a more reasonable comparison for height
- Density – The building as proposed is denser than the large residential complex currently proposed for 845 W. Madison, yet 855 W. Adams would sit on a much smaller parcel.
- Local impacts – This development will have a significant impact on use of Mary Bartelme Park. The committee would like to see the developer contribute towards park maintenance funding.
Next Steps
A community meeting will be scheduled for this proposed development in the coming weeks or months. The NOWL Development Committee will issue a position letter based on resident feedback collected before and at the community meeting.
Date: Sunday, September 18, 2016
By: NOWL Development Committee Chair, Matt Letourneau
Related Links
- Construction Chicago News (8/22/16): What is in store for 855 W. Adams in the West Loop