Chicago Plan Commission approves Fulton Market apartment tower that will reserve 30% of its units as affordable

The Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday approved a plan for yet another apartment tower in Fulton Market, along with a strategy to boost the number of affordable housing units it provides. A team led by developer Ascend Real Estate Group unveiled a blueprint for a 36-story building with 406 units at 800 W. Lake St., just west of Halsted Street.

Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration encouraged Fulton Market developers to surpass the 20% requirement, but this was the first time the city worked out an agreement to hit 30%, and tie it to actual dollars, according to Burnett, who praised Department of Planning and Development acting Commissioner Patrick Murphey for pulling an all-nighter to work it out.

Project architect Brian Turcza of GREC Architects said the 415-foot tower will include a carport on Lake Street, allowing quick pickups and drop-offs without blocking traffic. And following a recommendation by the city’s Committee on Design, a panel of experts who critique development proposals, the ground floor will have a spacious, 28-foot high entryway, along with dark brick cladding to blend in with the surrounding buildings.

“It will provide a sense of security and welcome,” he said.

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