Development builds on success of Chicago’s River North

Location, location, location is a phrase oft-repeated by those in the real estate industry. And it’s true, where a property is located has a bearing on its marketability, which is why choosing the right spot to buy a property or on which to build one should be a well-researched decision.

It seems the planners of the newest luxury residential/mixed-use development in the Windy City chose a good spot to build.

Ground recently was broken on a development in fertile soil, so to speak, in the Chicago area. One Chicago, a dual-tower skyscraper, commenced its 41-month construction in late April. When completed, it will offer hundreds of luxury residences, and a green-roofed podium as big as a city block. It also will include office and retail space, including a Whole Foods Market.

The complex’s large roof garden is a lifestyle feature that will fit well with the development’s plan for a Life Time Fitness and wellness center onsite.

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The development at 1 West Chicago Avenue is in the upscale River North area. That section of the city’s North Side has many hotels, luxury shops, restaurants, cocktail bars, nightclubs, artist’s lofts and other attractions.

Developed by JDL Development, the luxury residential/mixed-use complex was designed by Goettsch Partners and Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture. Its size, style and amenities will make it stand out, planners say.

“One Chicago has the scale and location to be spectacular,” says Jim Letchinger, president of JDL Development. “We carefully selected a project team to collaborate on this world-class design helmed by two of the city’s leading architects, both with deep Chicago roots and known nationally and internationally for large-scale urban complexes.”

The development’s 76-story main tower will change the Chicago skyline, and set the development apart, as well as making it an easily recognizable destination point.

“The main tower emphasizes a strong verticality and elegant image that will create a new landmark on the skyline. We fully appreciate the significance of this project in the context of the city,” says James Goettsch, FAIA, chairman and co-CEO of Goettsch Partners.

The main tower will be composed of five vertical, rectilinear bars that drop off at varying heights and allow for large terraces. Expressive fins will reinforce the building’s verticality, while giving the buildings’ façades a distinctive appearance.