Fern Hill Downsizes Apartment Plans for Chicago Alderman

Fern Hill has scaled back its plans for a residential skyscraper on Chicago’s North Side, compromising after neighborhood pushback.

Previously set to include 500 apartments and rise 480 feet at 1600 North LaSalle Street, the developer’s revised proposal features 349 rental units and a 379-foot tower, Crain’s reported.

The revision is not likely to win over all opponents, but it has the support of a significant portion of the community, Alderman Brian Hopkins said. The proposal is set to go before the Plan Commission on Feb. 20.

The plan, named “Old Town Canvas,” was submitted by Fern Hill’s Nick Anderson in March, following a two-year community engagement process. The firm worked closely with local residents and leaders to gather input and shape the project.

However,the initial proposal faced criticism from residents and officials for its scale and the potential strain it would place on infrastructure. The Chicago developer made several changes to the design, which now includes 20 percent affordable housing.

In addition to scaling back the size of the building, Anderson, a former Related Midwest executive, reduced the number of parking spaces from 450 to 333.

To address traffic issues in the area, the company is funding $1 million in improvements, including pedestrian safety upgrades and the installation of a Divvy bike-share station. Fern Hill is also working to remove the BP and Shell gas stations, which have been associated with violent crime, and will contribute to a protected bus lane on North Avenue.

Fern Hill is also working with the city to ensure the revitalization of long-vacant properties in the area. The developer has committed to securing a lease for a grocery store to occupy the nearby Treasure Island building within three and a half years of the project’s approval.

Additionally, Fern Hill has pledged to fund future infrastructure improvements, including a redesign of Clark Street, with financial backing from the Chicago Department of Transportation.

— Andrew Terrell