Onni Group closing on Goose Island megadevelopment kickoff

Onni Group will soon embark on its megadevelopment in Goose Island that could change the character of what has long been Chicago’s industrial mecca.

The Vancouver-based firm, whose chief of staff is Duncan Wlodarczak, will begin site work in May for the first phase of the five-tower, 2.7 million-square-foot project called Halsted Pointe, with expectations to break ground toward the end of the year, Urbanize reported.

The massive mixed-use complex is set to bring up to 2,650 housing units to Goose Island, and will replace the Greyhound Bus facility at 901 North Halsted Street on the southern tip of Goose Island, a structure scheduled for demolition beginning next month.

Onni Group’s ambitious plan received approval in 2021 when the Chicago City Council voted to rezone the property in preparation for Halsted Pointe. Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture is at the helm of design.

The first phase consists of a 46-story tower that will hold 460 residential units and 20,000 square feet of retail space. It will rise 504 feet, with a five-story podium at the base of the structure, comprising amenities, 200 parking spaces and retailers.

After phase one, construction for the remaining towers will ensue in a clockwise direction.

Phase two will feature two towers rising 30 and 45 stories, combining for 1,150 apartments, 500 parking spaces and square footage reserved for commercial use. Phase three will have a 65-story mixed-use tower with 1,015 units, 18,000 square feet of retail and 600 parking spaces. An outdoor green space spanning 100,000 square feet is also planned for phase three. 

Phase four, located at the southwest corner of the site, is set for a 28-story, 300-key hotel with  2,150 square feet of retail space.

Onni has been active with nearby acquisitions, as well. Last year, it acquired a nearby site at 700 West Chicago Avenue to possibly build a residential complex with as many as 1,000 units. In addition, the firm proposed a 29-story office tower in Fulton Market in December.

— Quinn Donoghue