Happy New Year! As we head into 2022, Chicago moves forward with numerous development projects across the city. Despite the ongoing pandemic, economic development has continued to push ahead in 2021, especially in the West Loop and Fulton Market neighborhoods. That momentum will continue into 2022 as more projects break ground and more go through the approval process. 

To kick off the new year at Urbanize Chicago, we’d like to hear from you, our readers, through some polling. 

Here we ask, “What is Chicago’s most anticipated megaproject set to break ground in 2022?”

Before we vote, we need to set parameters for which developments are already included. Megaprojects must include at least three buildings and be fully approved by the Chicago City Council. Projects like Lincoln Yards and The 78 will not be considered due to the fact that work has already been commenced. Proposals like ONE Central are also omitted due to the lack of city approval. Voting will close on Thursday morning, 72 hours after the poll has opened.

 

Now, let’s meet our three contenders:

North UnionHartshorne Plunkard Architecture

North Union

Developed by JDL Development with Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture behind the design, North Union is a new development planned for the Moody Bible Institute site in the Near North Side.  The 8.1-acre plan will produce 12 new residential buildings, with heights ranging from low rise buildings of only 50 feet up to a pinnacle height of 695 feet on the final phase towers. The entire plan will deliver over 2,600 residential units between now and 2030. The first phase, a 236-unit rental building at 920 N. Wells St is set to break ground in March, according to a recent report from Crain’s.

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Bronzeville Lakefront DevelopmentGRIT Chicago

Bronzeville Lakefront

Developed by GRIT Chicago, a consortium of developers led by Farpoint Development, Bronzeville Lakefront is a 48-acre development on the site of the former Michael Reese Hospital which was part of the city’s failed Olympic bid. The multi-decade plan will produce as many as 15 new buildings on the site while redrawing the street grid to connect the parcel to the neighborhood. Expected to last through 2040, the project will boast towers as tall as 450 feet. The first building to go up will be the ARC Innovation Center, anchoring the project at E. 31st St with a generous park and community center. A groundbreaking of the 178-foot-tall structure is expected for 2022.

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Halsted Pointe at 901 N Halsted StreetHartshorne Plunkard Architecture

Halsted Pointe

A venture by Canadian developer Onni Group, Halsted Pointe will occupy the site of the current Greyhound Bus facility. Sited at the southern tip of Goose Island, the megaproject will be split into four phases while offering ample green space at the southernmost section of the development. Designed by Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, the 5 towers will range in height from 313 feet up to 691 feet. Greyhound is leasing the property until January 2022 upon which Onni Group will commence development. Demolition will be begun immediately and the 504-foot tower within Phase 1 will be constructed.