The developer of a planned highrise at 1000 S. Michigan began marketing condos nearly two years ago, but the development only recently received a key city recommendation that would allow it to continue as the first building to be constructed in the area since it became a landmark district.
The developer, 1000 SMA, won approval from the Permit Review Committee of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks for a 39-story tower that would total around 294 condos. The Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois had criticized the design as not fitting in with the landmark district, where similar structures have deeper setbacks after a certain height.
The Historic Michigan Boulevard District stretches from Randolph to 11th Street along Michigan Avenue and is designed to protect the historic curtain of buildings opposite Grant Park. New construction on Michigan Avenue is extremely rare north of Roosevelt Road, and the project’s location across from Grant Park in the booming South Loop is one of its main attractions, according to the developer.
Architects DeStefano & Partners designed the building with a wide range of units ranging from entry-level one-bedrooms to expansive four-bedroom condominiums with dens costing up to several million dollars. The building is planned with a long list of amenities including an indoor dog run, a rooftop garden, a health club, an indoor pool and practice areas for tennis and basketball.
The project next moves to City Hall for approval, but its design is not expected to be reviewed again.