Chicago's South Loop skyline is set to expand with the approval of a new 28-story residential tower at 910 South Wells Street. The building is the second phase of the long-planned Riverline development and will introduce 350 new rental units to the neighborhood, including a significant number of affordable homes.
The Chicago Department of Planning and Development recently gave the green light to the revised site plan from developer CMK Companies. Designed by the architectural firm Gensler, the tower represents a major step forward for the multi-phase project aimed at revitalizing a large riverfront parcel.
Key Takeaways
- A 28-story, 310-foot residential tower has been approved at 910 S. Wells Street.
- The building will contain 350 apartments, with 70 units designated as affordable housing.
- The project includes an extension of the Chicago Riverwalk and 3,300 square feet of new retail space.
- This is the second tower in the Riverline development, following the initial phase at 1010 S. Wells Street.
A Closer Look at the New Tower
The approved plans detail a 310-foot-tall structure that will reshape a portion of an existing parking lot. The building's design features a prominent three-story podium which will house 137 parking spaces for residents.
Above this base, the residential tower will rise, offering a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. The exterior of the high-rise is planned to have a multi-toned glass curtain wall, providing a modern aesthetic. The podium itself will be wrapped in an undulating metal screen, creating a distinct visual texture at street level.
Project by the Numbers
- Height: 310 feet (28 stories)
- Total Units: 350
- Affordable Units: 70 (20%)
- Parking Spaces: 137
- Retail Space: 3,300 square feet
Focus on Community and Public Space
A key component of the development is its integration with the surrounding public realm. The ground floor is designed to be an active space, featuring a large resident amenity area that opens directly onto a new riverfront terrace.
This terrace will connect to a landscaped pedestrian walkway, complete with a water feature, which will lead to a new segment of the Chicago Riverwalk. This extension is a critical piece of the city's ongoing effort to create a continuous public path along the river.
In addition to the riverfront enhancements, the project will include a recessed lobby and approximately 3,300 square feet of retail space fronting Wells Street. An adjacent outdoor plaza is also planned, intended to create a welcoming public space for both residents and the wider community.
The Broader Riverline Vision
The tower at 910 S. Wells is the second piece of the larger Riverline master plan. The first phase, located just to the south at 1010 S. Wells Street, began preliminary foundation work earlier this year. The master plan envisions a new neighborhood hub with multiple residential buildings, retail, and extensive public green space along the Chicago River.
Strategic Site Planning for Future Growth
The project's approval involved a significant revision to the original site plan. Initially, the tower was designed with a north-south orientation. Planners have now reoriented the building to run east-west.
This strategic shift was made to accommodate a potential future tower just north of the current site, next to the iconic River City apartment complex. To prepare for this future density, the plan includes a large entry driveway designed to eventually serve the parking garages of both towers.
The plans also account for future infrastructure improvements, including a planned extension of Taylor Street that would culminate in a new bridge over the Chicago River, further connecting the South Loop to neighborhoods to the west.
The inclusion of 70 affordable units, representing 20% of the total, addresses the city's ongoing need for more accessible housing options in centrally located, high-amenity neighborhoods.
Next Steps for Development
With the city's approval of the site plan, CMK Companies can now move forward with securing the necessary building permits and finalizing financing for the project.
While an official construction start date has not been announced, it is widely expected that work on 910 S. Wells will commence after substantial progress is made on the first tower at 1010 S. Wells.
The sequential development approach allows the project to build momentum, with the second tower adding critical mass and further realizing the vision for a vibrant, connected riverfront community in the South Loop.