Judy Lamelza
Special to Chicago Construction News
Developers Fulton Street Companies and JDL Development celebrated the groundbreaking of 919 W. Fulton, marking Chicago’s first major new office development in over a year. This 400,000 square foot mixed-use building is set to become the headquarters of Harrison Street Real Estate Capital, bringing new opportunities for workers in the construction field.
Spanning 400,000 square feet, 919 W. Fulton is a testament to Chicago’s commitment to progress. This marvel will be home to the headquarters of Harrison Street Real Estate Capital, occupying 112,000 sq. ft. of space in this 11-story building. On the ground floor, Gibsons Restaurant Group will make its mark, taking up 15,500 square feet of planned retail space.
Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects and FitzGerald, this 11-story building has a facade carefully crafted to blend seamlessly with its historic surroundings. Featuring notches and setbacks as it rises minimizes its visual impact on the historic Fulton-Randolph Market District, making it a noteworthy project for construction professionals.
With a strong focus on air quality, material selection, energy efficiency, wellness, and environmental impact, this project is pursuing both WELL and LEED Silver certifications, setting a high standard for sustainable construction.
The financial backing for this ambitious project was secured through strategic partnerships with Bank OZK and Manulife Investment Management, showing the importance of collaboration in the construction industry. SNK Capital plays a pivotal role as the lead equity investment partner, emphasizing the value of diverse financial contributions.
With Skender serving as the general contractor, the construction is expected to be completed in 2025. This project demonstrates the critical role that experienced contractors play in bringing complex projects to fruition, and it presents a significant opportunity for construction workers.
919 W. Fulton is uniquely positioned as one of the few office buildings under construction in Chicago, offering an opportunity to stand out in the market. While the broader office market may face challenges, thriving pockets like Fulton Market continue to see growth. A recent analysis even named Fulton Market as the nation’s fastest-growing urban office market over five years.
When completed in 2025, 919 W. Fulton will offer amenities that capture the essence of the neighborhood and will include:
- Factory-style storefronts
- Architectural masonry
- Large outdoor terraces
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Rooftop with a lounge and bar
- Several co-working and conference spaces
- Fitness center with full locker rooms
- Full-depth, nearly football field-sized basement with 65 stall parking, ComEd vault and mechanicals
