Chicago Construction News staff writer
Chicago-based developer and general contractor Focus has announced the structural completion of 1221 W. Washington Blvd., a new mixed-use residential tower under construction in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood.
Designed by Pappageorge Haymes, the 19-story, 286,232-sq. ft. Class A development features a concrete podium with a brick façade and a glass curtain wall extending from the fifth through 19th floors.
The project, which is being developed by a Focus-led joint venture with DAC Developments and Melrose Ascension Capital, is expected to include 287 rental apartment units, approximately 2,700 square feet of ground-floor retail space and 110 parking spaces.
The residential component will offer a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. The development will also feature more than 25,000 square feet of amenities, including three rooftop decks with a pool and grilling stations, a spa with an indoor hot tub and sauna, a fitness centre with yoga and spin studios, private co-working spaces, and a dog spa and dog run.
“With limited supply coming to Fulton Market, and Chicago as a whole, we are eager to complete construction of 1221 Washington to meet pent-up apartment demand,” said Tim Anderson, president and CEO of Focus. “Our unique approach to the program at 1221 offers not only some of the only new product in the market, but aims to address the needs of the renter through enhanced community spaces.”
The project team also includes Luxury Living, which is handling marketing and leasing, and Partners by Design, which is responsible for interior design.
The development will operate under the name 1221, with the first apartment deliveries expected in January 2027. Pre-leasing is scheduled to begin toward the end of 2026.
“We’re excited to begin pre-leasing toward the end of 2026 and introduce a new residential opportunity within Fulton Market,” said Amy Galvin, CEO of Luxury Living. “This project thoughtfully responds to the growing demand for more attainable pricing in one of Chicago’s most sought-after neighborhoods, while still delivering the elevated design, lifestyle and amenity experience residents have come to expect in the market.”
