The Chicago Plan Commission has approved two new high-rise residential towers in the West Loop, marking a significant shift in zoning practices for the area. The decision introduces a level of density to the neighborhood that is typically reserved for Chicago’s Downtown core.
One of the projects, proposed by Domus Real Estate Group at 215 N. Racine Ave., was particularly contentious. The commission voted to override a recommendation from the Department of Planning and Development’s zoning administrator, who argued that the requested DX-16 zoning designation was incompatible with surrounding properties and could undermine long-standing limits on building size and density.
“There have been no substantial changes in public facility capacity, prior rezonings or growth and development trends that would justify the requested DX-16,” said Louis Clayton, an official with the planning department.
The 29-story building will include 347 apartments—70 of which are designated as affordable—and offer a mix of unit sizes. Plans also feature ground-floor retail space, amenities such as a rooftop pool and terrace, and 88 parking spaces. Additionally, Domus plans to create an approximately 11,000-square-foot public park about 700 feet north of the building; while open to all residents, it will be privately managed.
Domus held two community meetings regarding its proposal: one organized by the West Central Association (West Loop Chamber of Commerce) in June and another by the West Loop Community Organization in January. Feedback from attendees at these meetings was mixed. Some questioned why upzoning was necessary; Domus representatives responded that it was required to make the project financially viable.
At Thursday’s Plan Commission meeting, eight public speakers mostly supported the upzoning request due to its potential to increase housing supply. However, Patti Doyle, executive director of the West Central Association, expressed concerns about setting a precedent:
“To be clear, the [West Central Association] supports more density. We want more family-oriented units and more affordable housing. Our position here is about process and precedent and ensuring that growth happens in a way that is consistent, predictable and aligned with long-term planning and growth for the Near West Side,” Doyle said.
Alderman Walter Redmond Burnett (27th), who attended both community meetings, backed Domus’ proposal after requiring confirmation that financing was secured. He emphasized both increased access to family-sized units—a need he said is not currently met in Fulton Market—and added green space:
“I think design-wise, in the context-wise, the building alone really fits into what Fulton Market is and … where it’s going. We need this housing,” Burnett said.
Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright also supported moving forward despite acknowledging zoning tensions. She noted an ownership clause allowing city officials to revert zoning back if property ownership changes hands.
The commission ultimately approved 215 N. Racine Ave.’s rezoning by a vote of 10-2.
A second tower at 1338 W. Lake St., proposed by CEDARst Companies, also received approval for its request to rezone to DX-10 status—allowing greater density than previously permitted at this location. The revised plan calls for a 32-story apartment tower with 321 units (including 65 affordable apartments). This project had support from both local officials and residents during recent virtual meetings.
Both projects still require final approval from Chicago’s zoning committee and City Council before construction can proceed.
