Construction Tops Out at 1221 W. Washington in Fulton Market

CHICAGO — Another major residential project is moving closer to completion in Fulton Market.

Construction has officially topped out at 1221 W. Washington, a 19-story mixed-use development rising near the intersection of W. Washington Boulevard and N. Willard Court. The milestone means the building has reached its full structural height, shifting the project closer to interior buildout, leasing, and eventual resident move-ins.

The project is being developed by Focus in partnership with DAC Developments and Melrose Ascension Capital, with Focus also serving as general contractor. First deliveries are currently anticipated in January 2027.

What Is Planned at 1221 W. Washington?

The new building will bring 287 luxury rental apartments to the southwest edge of Fulton Market, along with approximately 2,700 square feet of ground-floor retail space and 110 parking spaces.

Designed by Pappageorge Haymes, the 286,232-square-foot Class A development is positioned between two existing historic buildings. The design includes a concrete podium with a brick façade, topped by a glass curtain wall from floors 5 through 19.

That architectural approach helps the project fit into Fulton Market’s existing warehouse and industrial character while still adding the height, density, and modern design expected from new luxury apartment construction.

Apartment Mix and Interior Design

The apartment mix will include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom rental units.

Interior design is being led by Partners by Design, with the building expected to target renters who want modern finishes, flexible living space, and access to a full lifestyle amenity package.

The project also speaks to a larger shift in Fulton Market. Renters are not only looking for a place to sleep. They want buildings that support work-from-home routines, fitness, social life, pet care, outdoor space, and easy access to restaurants, offices, nightlife, and transit.

More Than 25,000 Square Feet of Amenities

One of the biggest selling points at 1221 W. Washington will be its amenity package.

Planned resident amenities include:

Three rooftop decks
Outdoor pool
Grilling stations
Spa area
Indoor hot tub
Sauna
Fitness center
Yoga studio
Spin studio
Private coworking spaces
Dog spa
Dog run

That combination reflects what many renters now expect from new Fulton Market and West Loop apartments: wellness, outdoor space, work-from-home support, and social areas that make the building feel like more than a standard rental tower.

For renters comparing new apartments in Fulton Market, 1221 W. Washington is likely to stand out because it brings new product into a neighborhood where demand for high-quality rentals remains strong.

Financing and Development Momentum

The project is supported by a financing package that includes a $71.6 million construction loan from CIBC and $23.9 million in preferred equity from Heitman, with remaining equity provided by the development team.

That financing is important because it shows continued confidence in Fulton Market’s multifamily market even as higher borrowing costs have slowed some new construction across Chicago.

For anyone watching downtown development, 1221 W. Washington is another signal that Fulton Market remains one of the city’s most durable growth areas.

How 1221 W. Washington Fits Into the Larger Fulton Market Pipeline

The project is part of a much bigger wave of development reshaping the West Loop and Fulton Market.

Nearby, large-scale projects continue to move forward, including new residential towers, office proposals, retail additions, and public-space improvements. For buyers tracking the broader neighborhood picture, recent updates on Fulton Market’s next major skyscraper and the approved 29-story tower at 215 N. Racine help show how much construction activity is still shaping the area.

That momentum matters for both renters and buyers.

Even though 1221 W. Washington is a rental development, new residential density can support more restaurants, fitness studios, coffee shops, retail, and everyday services. Over time, that added activity can make the neighborhood feel more complete and more livable.

The Takeaway

The topping out of 1221 W. Washington is a major construction milestone for Fulton Market.

With 287 apartments, ground-floor retail, parking, rooftop decks, wellness amenities, coworking spaces, and a strong location near the heart of the West Loop, the project adds another high-end residential option to one of Chicago’s most active neighborhoods.

As first deliveries approach in January 2027, this is one more project to watch for anyone following Fulton Market’s continued evolution from a former industrial district to one of Chicago’s most in-demand live-work-play neighborhoods.

Looking to Buy in Fulton Market or the West Loop?

Browse available condos, lofts, and luxury homes in Fulton Market, West Loop, River West, and nearby downtown Chicago neighborhoods, or connect with the Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier for expert guidance on finding the right home near restaurants, offices, nightlife, transit, and major neighborhood development.