1010 S. Wells Reaches 15 Stories as Riverline Reshapes the South Loop Riverfront

SOUTH LOOP— Construction is moving quickly at 1010 South Wells Street, where the first residential tower in CMK Companies’ Riverline development has now reached its 15th floor along the South Branch of the Chicago River.

According to the latest construction update from Chicago YIMBY, crews led by Brandts Build and concrete contractor Goebel Forming have poured roughly 11 floors of concrete since early June, leaving about six levels remaining before the 21-story tower reaches its planned height.

388 Apartments Planned at 1010 S. Wells

Designed by Gensler, 1010 S. Wells is planned to bring 388 rental apartments to the South Loop, along with 182 parking spaces and approximately 2,900 square feet of ground-floor retail space. The residential portion rises above a three-story podium positioned alongside a new section of riverfront.

1010 South Wells makes its presence known along the South Branch of the Chicago River. — 1010 South Wells along the South Branch of the Chicago River.

The tower’s design features angled window bays that create a wave-like profile facing the river. Exterior glass installation had not yet become a major part of the visible construction progress in the latest update, meaning the building’s finished appearance should become more apparent as facade work advances.

No official completion or opening date has been confirmed. Earlier construction coverage indicated that apartment leasing could begin in 2027, but the development team has not announced a firm schedule.

From Financing to the 15th Floor

Option Premier has been following Riverline’s progress throughout 2026.

In March, we reported that CMK had secured an $83 million construction loan from Wintrust Bank, providing financing to move the first tower toward completion. At the time, the project had only recently begun rising vertically. Read our earlier update: Funding Secured for South Loop Tower at 1010 S Wells as Riverline Moves Forward.

Reaching the 15th floor only a few months later marks a visible shift for a Riverline site that spent years moving through planning and redevelopment proposals.

The Second Riverline Tower Is Also Moving Forward

Momentum is building immediately north of 1010 S. Wells as well.

On July 14, 2026, a pile permit was issued for 910 South Wells Street, the planned second residential tower within Riverline. The permit allows crews to install 225 foundation piles reaching approximately 77 feet deep.

Current plans call for a 28-story tower with approximately 350 apartments, 137 parking spaces, and about 3,300 square feet of retail space. Gensler is also designing that building, with Brandts Build listed as general contractor. A start date for pile driving and full vertical construction has not yet been announced.

Together, the two towers could add roughly 738 residences to this stretch of the South Loop riverfront if both are completed as currently planned.

What Riverline Means for the South Loop

The progress at 1010 S. Wells is about more than another apartment tower.

Riverline is designed around greater access to the Chicago River, with new residential density, retail, landscaped areas, and public riverwalk connections planned along a part of the South Loop that has remained underdeveloped for years. CMK describes the broader vision as a riverfront community combining residential development with wetlands, landscaping, and public access.

For renters, buyers, and investors watching the South Loop real estate market, the rapid construction at 1010 S. Wells and permitting at 910 S. Wells are important signs that the Riverline master plan is moving from long-term vision to an increasingly visible neighborhood transformation.

Considering a Move or Investment in the South Loop?

New developments like Riverline, expanding riverfront access, and continued residential construction are creating new options across the South Loop while potentially influencing surrounding buildings and blocks.

Connect with The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier for local guidance when comparing South Loop condos, apartments, investment properties, new developments, association costs, and neighborhood opportunities.

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