The fabric of Chicago's Clybourn Corridor and Fulton Market is set for a significant transformation as the Chicago Plan Commission approves the construction of over a thousand apartments, with two substantial development projects taking center stage. In a unanimous decision, high-rise residential buildings will soon rise in these bustling neighborhoods.
Among these, a 37-story skyscraper poised for the Clybourn Corridor shopping district on the Near North Side is expected to hold 396 units. Although initial traffic concerns were raised by locals, the developer, New York City-based Georgetown Co., has secured Ald. Brian Hopkins' favor. The neighborhood's worries hinged upon the congestion that a tower of such size could bring to the site at 1565 N. Clybourn Ave. but plans to maintain the bike lane and strategic positioning for delivery and pick-up should ease any potential disruptions. As the Chicago Tribune notes, the expectation is that nearly two-thirds of residents would not rely on cars for their work commute, thanks in part to proximity to public transit.
The West Loop is not to be left out of the development surge either, with LG Group's proposal for a dual tower complex, which the Chicago Plan Commission also approved. These towers, expected to bring 667 apartment units into the neighborhood, are particularly notable for their inclusion of a grocery store, a feature seen as a significant attraction for the project. This development at 170 N. May St. and 175 N. Racine Ave. is described by architect Angela Spadoni, as reported by the Sun-Times, to embody a design with more "movement" compared to other structures in the area, aiming to be pedestrian-friendly.
Furthermore, in the context of both complexes, a commitment to housing affordability is evident. Twenty percent of the units in the developments will be set aside for families earning an average of 60% of the area median income, adhering to the guidelines established by the city's Affordable Requirements Ordinance. These decisions indicate an ongoing dedication to not only enhance the residential landscape of these neighborhoods but also to ensure certain levels of inclusivity and community consideration in the process.
Yet, as high-density living encroaches upon the West Loop and Near North Side, some residents express concerns regarding the strain on open spaces. The inclusion of amenity-rich development proposals is vital, but as May Toy, vice president of the community group Neighbors of West Loop, told the Sun-Times, there remains an urgent need for developments that address and collaborate with the community on these issues. However, with planned additions like pedestrian bump-outs and reclaimed parking spaces for street cafes, steps are being taken to keep the district walker-friendly amidst the upcoming changes.
