WEST LOOP — A proposed 32-story residential tower along the Eisenhower Expressway drew praise and jeers at a community meeting that fit the West Loop mold of smaller, less flashy buildings and welcoming retail development. The tower would have 9,000 square feet of ground floor retail space in addition to a pool and green space on the roof. Parking would be limited — averaging less than one space per resident — due to the building’s proximity to public transportation, including the Jackson Street bus and UIC-Halsted Blue Line stop. The proposal also calls for shutting down part of Aberdeen Street, which would have to be bought at market rate from the city. About 100 people showed up to Wednesday evening’s meeting at the West Loop’s Merit School of Music. Current zoning caps buildings on the lot at five stories. Many at Wednesday night’s meeting seemed like they would be okay if it stayed that way. Many residents were also excited for the potential kickstart for retail the building could provide to that less trafficked part of Van Buren Street. This project comes on the heels of a proposed historic district along Randolph Street and Fulton Market. That proposal also pushes large-scale business and residential zoning (with the potential for 15-story buildings) along the new Morgan Street “L” stop, from Halsted Street west to Racine Avenue.

Project Summary by Arquitectoinca

Overview

• Residential, 350,000 ft² (32,000 m²), 275 ft (80 m) - 28 floors, 342 units