Development Update – 225 W. Chicago Avenue/777 N. Franklin Street

(image courtesy of Chicago Dept. of Planning and Development)

The Chicago Plan Commission approved the development proposal at 225 W. Chicago Avenue / 777 N. Franklin Street. Next, the project development team will be required to present their plans for approval to the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards and City Council.

Centrum Realty & Development has proposed to build a nine story office development for the southeast corner of Chicago & Franklin. Formerly a Wal-Mart Express, the 15,000 square foot building has been vacant for many years.

The proposed planned development plans to construct a 125′-8″ tall building with commercial uses on the ground floor and office uses above. The building has seven accessory vehicular parking stalls and one loading berth.

Located at the Chicago Avenue Brown/Purple Line stop, and served by the #66 Chicago Avenue bus route, the building will have great appeal to public transit users.

The office plans include a fitness and conference center, in addition to a top floor lounge with large outdoor terrace overlooking the city sky line. The project will include retail at the first level, with a targeted tenant mix designed to complement the office users and further activate the intersection.

The proposal has secured the supports of the River North Residents Association (RNRA). For more information about this proposal, click on the following link to view the project materials.

As part of Alderman Reilly’s transparent community process for new developments, your comments and observations are welcome for this project. Please forward any feedback to development@ward42chicago.com.