RIVER NORTH — River North, already replete with high-rises, is set to get another one.
The Chicago Plan Commission last week approved a 23-story, 57-unit condominium tower proposed for Chicago Avenue and Wells streets. The site at 800 N. Wells St. is currently home to a shuttered New Metal Crafts store.
The condo project marks a departure from most development in River North, where most post-recession construction to date has been rental towers. Developer Bill Smith of Chicago-based Smithfield Properties previously told DNAinfo Chicago he sold out a similar, 26-unit project at 400 W. Huron St., convincing him to go bigger with his next building.
Condos in the mostly two- and three-bedroom luxury project would start at about $850,000, Smith said. The Berkelhamer Architects-designed development would also include 105 interior parking spaces, duplexes every three floors and penthouses.
"We think this is a very avant-garde building architecturally, and think it will attract sophisticated buyers," Smith previously told DNAinfo Chicago.
The project now heads to the Chicago City Council for final approval. Click on the slideshow above or scroll down below for more renderings (courtesy of Berkelhamer Architects):
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