Big news for Chicago's skyline: The West Loop is about to get a major upgrade with the approval of a 32-story mixed-use tower at 1338 West Lake Street. But here's where it gets controversial—while the project promises to bring new residential and retail options, it’s also sparking debates about parking reductions and the balance between luxury and affordable housing. Let’s dive into the details.
After three years in the making, the Chicago Plan Commission has given the green light to updated plans for this ambitious development, led by Cedar Street Companies in collaboration with local architecture firm SCB. Situated at the corner of North Ada Street, the tower will rise approximately 364 feet, with a six-story podium that’s been thoughtfully redesigned to better integrate with the surrounding area. And this is the part most people miss—the podium, once slated to feature a large sculpture, will now include 7,800 square feet of retail space along the main street corner, along with new liner units on the upper levels, accessible via a dedicated elevator bank.
These changes come with trade-offs, though. The revised design reduces the parking count to 191 spaces, a move that’s sure to spark differing opinions. Above the podium, residents will enjoy a large outdoor deck and two recessed amenity levels, leading up to the tower’s 321 residential units. These will primarily consist of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts, with a limited number of three-bedroom units. Notably, 65 of these units will be designated as affordable housing—a critical addition to the neighborhood.
The tower’s crowning glory? An amenity level and a rooftop deck complete with a pool. The exterior will feature a sleek mix of blue multi-tone glass and gray panels along the podium. With a $155 million price tag, the project now heads to the City Council for final approval, aiming for a Q4 2026 groundbreaking and Q3 2028 completion.
This approval comes on the heels of other significant developments in the area, including Foundry Park and the hotly debated 215 North Racine project. As Chicago continues to evolve, these projects raise important questions: Are we striking the right balance between growth and community needs? And how will these changes shape the future of the West Loop?
What’s your take? Do you think the reduced parking and increased retail space are a fair trade-off? Or is there a better way to approach mixed-use developments like this? Let us know in the comments below!
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