The Chicago Plan Commission gave the first approval Thursday to the developer behind a Fulton Market high-rise that requested a level of zoning historically reserved for Downtown.
Domus Real Estate Group wanted a zoning change from DX-5 to DX-16 — a designation for Downtown mixed-use developments. The number after DX corresponds to the density, with higher numbers allowing for larger buildings.
The Department of Planning and Development’s zoning administrator said the proposed tower at 215 N. Racine Ave. was “not appropriate,” making a rare recommendation against the project. The highest level of zoning approved in the project’s area is DX-7.
But the Plan Commission voted in favor of the project, which will advance to the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards.
A DPD representative said during the meeting that the agency isn’t necessarily opposed to the project. It recommended Domus purchase nearby land to expand the project’s boundaries, or reduce the building’s size and unit count to match the area’s density.
Domus is proposing a 29-story tower with 347 apartments, including 70 affordable units. It would have studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, the larger of which are a rarity for the area.
There would also be ground floor commercial space, 88 parking spots and an amenity terrace with a pool.
The project includes the purchase of land at 1240 W. Carroll Ave., which would be turned into a privately-managed public park, according to the development team.
One of the biggest requests from Fulton Market residents is green space, along with more family-sized units, Ald. Walter “Red” Burnett (27th) said.
“There’s no green space whatsoever,” Burnett said.
The majority of speakers, many from West Loop or Fulton Market, during the meeting’s public comment period spoke in favor of the project.
But the West Central Association Chamber of Commerce wasn’t on board. The chamber’s executive director, Patti Doyle, said they were against the higher zoning designation and the precedent it sets for the neighborhood.
“To be clear, the [chamber] supports more density. We want more family-oriented units and more affordable housing,” Doyle said. “Our position here is about process and precedent and ensuring that growth happens in a way that is consistent, predictable and aligned with long-term planning and growth for the Near West Side.”
DPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright voiced support for Domus’ project and said she’s “hyperaware” of the city’s need for more mixed-income housing and development.
She also acknowledged how projects of 215 N. Racine’s scale can create a slippery slope, because those larger projects don’t always get built. Other times, properties get sold after the city rezones them.
Financing for the $175 million project is in place, according to the development team. Boatright said the development agreement includes a clause stipulating the property’s zoning can be reversed if its ownership changes.
“The building alone really fits into what Fulton Market is and where it’s going,” Burnett said. “We need this housing.”
The Plan Commission also approved a 32-story residential tower at 1338 W. Lake St.
Led by Chicago-based CEDARst Cos., the project would have 321 units, including 65 affordable, ground floor retail, a bike room and rooftop pool. Apartments would range from studios to three-bedroom units.
CEDARst plans to break ground in the fourth quarter.
Commissioners also approved plans for The Phoenix, a 12-story apartment building in Lake View with ground floor retail.
The project was pitched by DLG Management and drew a heated discussion during an October 2025 community meeting, hosted by Ald. Angela Clay’s (46th) office. Some neighbors weren’t on board with the building that they said is too dense for the area, while supporters argued that the neighborhood needs more housing.
But on Thursday, speakers overwhelmingly supported the project and pointed to the rapid rise of Chicago rents.
The Plan Commission also gave approval to Sarah’s on Sunnyside, a building for the nonprofit Sarah’s Circle.
Located at 4432-4458 N. Clarendon Ave., the site will serve women facing homelessness, offering 54 supportive housing units for single women, staff office space and community space for residents.
The efficiency units will be 480 square feet and will target homeless women earning 30% of the area median income.