Judy Lamelza
Special to Chicago Construction News
A transformative new development has been proposed for the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market District. Local developer Domus is seeking to rezone the property at 215 N Racine Avenue to pave the way for a striking 30-story residential tower.
This project represents a significant shift from the original 2019 plans for a smaller office building, now reimagined as a high-rise that will replace a surface parking lot and a three-story commercial structure.
The tower is planned to rise 364 feet and occupy the full 13,251-square-foot lot between W Lake Street and W Fulton Street. Its square footprint will be softened by rounded corners, adding a distinct architectural character to the fast-changing Fulton Market skyline.
Archeo Design Studio designed the new tower featuring a glass curtain wall framed by a brown metal grid, emphasizing its vertical profile. The podium, which will house parking, will be wrapped in brown mesh to provide natural ventilation while maintaining a cohesive visual identity.
Design highlights include:
- 30 stories of residential use
- 347 residential units
- 1,128 square feet of ground-floor retail
- A compact residential lobby
- An 88-space parking garage built into the podium
- Ground-level bicycle parking
The development is expected to include a variety of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. A total of 69 units will be set aside as affordable housing, in line with the City of Chicago’s requirements.
Amenities will include a modern fitness center, rooftop deck and swimming pool with panoramic city views.
The developer has submitted a rezoning application, the first formal step in securing city approval for the project. Once approved, a detailed construction timeline and budget are expected to follow.
The site is in a high-density, mixed-use corridor that has seen a surge of development in recent years. Surrounded by a mix of historic warehouses, creative offices, and new residential towers, the 215 N Racine project is positioned to become a key contributor to Fulton Market’s vertical growth.
