Bold opening: A new tower is coming to The Loop, reshaping the skyline at 331 South Plymouth Court. And this time, the plan aims to not only rise higher but also enrich the surrounding area with new amenities and park improvements. Here's what you need to know, and why it matters.
A fresh design replaces the previously stalled Assemble Chicago proposal that aimed to replace the vacant lot and parking garage at 331 South Plymouth Court, a site at the intersection with West Van Buren Street and linked to Pritzker Park. After years of evolutions and pauses, the city has released a revised plan under a new team and a new name.
What’s changing and why it matters
- The development is now a 25-story, mixed-use tower named ACoDA, led by DL3 Realty and designed by Perkins&Will. The project budget sits at about $62 million.
- The podium portion on the ground level envisions active uses such as retail and restaurant space, plus co-working areas and live-work lofts that support local entrepreneurs.
- The tower will house 300 residential units, a substantial increase from prior proposals, with 60 units designated as affordable.
- Parking is planned for 60 vehicles within the podium, and residents will enjoy a sizable outdoor deck on the fifth floor that overlooks Pritzker Park.
- A four-story active podium will connect the street to interior amenities and create a front door for the neighborhood’s evolving core.
- The concept draws inspiration from the nearby Fisher Building, featuring an angled massing and decorative fins in a lighter brown tone, but with more glass to maximize daylight and views.
- Earlier YMCA and Rush clinic components were not carried forward in the latest plan.
Additional context and timeline
- The project joins a broader wave of momentum on State Street, including a nearby redevelopment of 401 State Street that’s been proposed as a vertical farm with residential units.
- To proceed, ACoDA must win City Council approval and secure several small grants before groundbreaking can begin.
- Power Construction and UJAMAA Construction are lined up as the general contractors for the build.
Why this matters for The Loop
- The proposal aims to energize a southern stretch of State Street that has struggled to gain traction, potentially attracting residents, visitors, and local businesses with a more vibrant ground-floor experience.
- The plan emphasizes mixed-use vitality: housing, retail, workspaces, and park-facing amenities that could knit together The Loop’s park-adjacent assets with new residential demand.
Controversies and discussion prompts
- Some may question whether a 25-story tower with a dense podium truly integrates with the scale and character of The Loop or if it tilts toward more condo-focused development than community-serving options. Do you think the balance between market-rate housing and affordable units is sufficient here?
- The removal of the YMCA and Rush clinic from the plan could shift how the project serves public health and community programming. Should future proposals reinstate similar anchors, or should these services be addressed through separate, city-led initiatives?
- With heightened emphasis on glassy facades and a Fisher Building-inspired silhouette, is this approach a respectful nod to local history or a design trend that prioritizes spectacle over neighborhood cohesion?
What’s next
- Await City Council approval and the securing of small grants.
- Monitor updates on construction timelines and any adjustments to the podium program or park improvements as the project advances.
If you’d like, I can tailor this rewrite to a specific audience (e.g., community residents, investors, or urban design students) or adjust the focus to emphasize housing, architecture, or neighborhood impact.
