CHICAGO | 700 W. Chicago (Halsted Landing) | 4 Towers | 650 - 500 FT | 57 - 44 FLOORS

[Jstange059]

From Chicago YIMBY:
“Although the cost of the Chicago venue remains unknown, it is expected to receive incentives from the state’s Economic Development tax credit program. This program requires recipients to maintain operations for at least 10 years, meaning the earliest Universal could vacate the site for Halsted Landing would be 2037. Construction is set to begin early next year and finish in 2027.”

They suggest that construction could possibly take place around the facility. But yeah, that definitely seems like a questionable sign for the project

https://chicagoyimby.com/2025/06/univers...und-horror-experience-in-river-west.html

[Randomguy34]

Onni is saying that Universal Studios' plans align with their timeline and they still plan to build highrises on the site. Still a weird situation overall

In an emailed statement to CoStar News, Onni Group Chief of Staff Duncan Wlodarczak said the firm plans to continue pursuing long-term plans for the high-rise development on the site north of the Loop business district.

The statement did not say how long Universal's lease runs, but it described the lease as "a complementary step that supports the overall trajectory of the project," which Onni said will create 490 affordable units and nearly 1,400 full-time construction jobs.

"This strategic lease aligns with Onni’s broader development timeline and reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering a transformative, long-term vision for the site," Wlodarczak wrote. "While the lease provides interim utility and activation of the space, we continue to actively advance its entitlement process. Onni remains fully committed to securing the necessary approvals to realize its comprehensive redevelopment plans. These plans are designed to bring lasting economic and social value to the community, while also delivering much needed housing to the city of Chicago."

https://www.costar.com/article/229276295...r-site-once-planned-for-apartment-towers

[r18tdi]

Thanks for sharing. It's a plus when reporters call or email developers directly for information.

[dreamy-developer]

Astonishing (in shocked Pikachu face-way) that if all is true that is said above that it won't be until around 2040 that we won't see most of this project come to fruition.

Someone slap me in the face and correct me if I'm reading any of that wrong. Onni really seem to play the literal long-game on this one. Such a different climate both economically and politically I don't think anyone could predict now.

But glad they're sticking to the plan either way

[twister244]

I read this as - They are seeing a major battle getting the approvals they need because of the dispute with the labor....

So - Instead of planning on breaking ground anytime soon - They are basically putting this project on the back burner and shifting their focus to other things. Maybe they don't think they are going to win the battle with the city and have temporarily given up.

Again - It's got the Pickelball at 170 Green Street vibe - This basically means this project is on hold for the time being.

[swipyfox]

This is a joke. "Just for the time being" yeah sure. It's really like pulling teeth to see projects get off the ground here

[Randomguy34]

700 W Chicago is on the zoning committee summary, so I take that as having passed

Summary: https://occprodstoragev1.blob.core.usgov...6bc21db7-92c2-4805-b15f-441a11765301.pdf

[arCHItecture_]

I was just watching the Zoning Committee meeting and did not hear/see it come up. It was likely deferred unfortunately

[r18tdi]

Not surprising.

[r18tdi]

Union standoff delays $1.1B riverfront project near Bally's site again

Utilizing a mechanism to require action if the developer’s zoning change request fails to receive a vote in the Zoning Committee, the project was set to be considered at today’s City Council meeting, but allies of the union used a parliamentary maneuver to block the vote.

Ald. Michael Rodriguez, 22nd, and Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, motioned to defer and publish the measure, pushing off a vote until the next council meeting.

The move prevented a showdown vote in a labor-friendly body to choose sides between the powerful SEIU or a major development poised to bring 2,451 units of housing, with 490 units set aside at affordable rates.

Zoning Chair Ald. Walter Burnett, 27th, who also represents the area until he steps down at the end of July, has been stuck in the middle of the fight for years.

This is so goofy.

[Klippenstein]

Originally Posted by r18tdi

[...]Zoning Chair Ald. Walter Burnett, 27th, who also represents the area until he steps down at the end of July.

I missed the news. Is he stepping down as chair of the zoning committee or as alderperson?

[Randomguy34]

Both since he's stepping down as alderperson. He wants his son to take over his ward