West Loop Residents Debate Impact of Multiple New Housing Projects

Approved projects in the West Loop include over 900 apartments and two grocery stores across three new high-rises, one of which is a 38-story tower with 380 units at 175 N. Racine Ave. Between approved and pending projects, nine new apartment buildings are set to deliver 6,649 units total, including 1,333 designated as affordable housing.

Scale of Planned Construction

These approvals add to existing activity along North Desplaines Street, where two residential projects are under construction. One is a 49-unit eight-story building at 135 N. Desplaines that has reached the second floor. Another at 629 W. Lake is expected to finish by the end of 2026. A separate 66-unit development at 1201 W. Kinzie Street received Plan Commission approval, with work slated to begin in late 2026 and finish by mid-2028.

Additional Condominium Project

A 32-unit condominium building named Eveq was announced with units starting at $795,000. Construction on the five-story structure is scheduled to begin in March. These projects together represent a substantial addition of housing units in the neighborhood.

Community Considerations

Local residents have followed the progression of these plans through public review processes. The mix of rental apartments and condominiums, along with the inclusion of affordable units, forms part of the discussion around how the changes will integrate with existing streetscapes and daily routines along streets such as Racine, Desplaines, Lake, and Kinzie. Sources for the project details include reports from Block Club Chicago and related coverage on ZChicago.

Construction timelines remain tied to the specific approvals already granted. Further updates on permitting and ground-breaking will come through standard city channels as each project moves forward.