Fulton Market Tower at 215 N Racine Advances After Zoning Approval

The Chicago Committee on Zoning has approved plans for a 29-story mixed-use tower at 215 North Racine Avenue, clearing a major hurdle for a proposal that has sparked months of debate over density and growth in the neighborhood.

The project, led by local developer Domus, would replace a small parking lot and low-rise commercial building near Racine and Lake Street with a 364-foot residential high-rise designed by Archeo Design Studio.

Why This Project Has Drawn Attention

Fulton Market Tower — Rendering of 215 N Racine Avenue by Archeo Design Studio

The biggest source of controversy has been the site’s proposed DX-16 zoning designation, the highest downtown zoning category used by the city.

That designation is commonly reserved for major downtown towers, making this one of the first projects in Fulton Market to pursue zoning at that scale. Some nearby residents and community groups pushed back over concerns tied to density, traffic and the continued pace of development in the area.

Even so, the project has continued to move through the approval process and now needs one final sign-off from City Council.

Inside the Proposal

Plans call for a modern tower with rounded corners and an integrated parking podium built into the lower floors.

The development would include:

347 residential units
- 143 studios
- 79 one-bedroom units
- 120 two-bedroom units
- 5 three-bedroom units
70 affordable units included on-site
1,100 square feet of retail space on the ground floor
88 parking spaces within the podium levels
Amenity areas and a rooftop deck with a pool

The mix of unit types reflects the continued demand for rental housing in Fulton Market, which has rapidly evolved from a former industrial district into one of Chicago’s most active residential and office markets.

A New Public Park Is Also Planned

Fulton Market Public Park — Rendering of potential park at 1240 W Carroll Ave by Archeo Design Studio

One of the more notable parts of the proposal is an 11,000-square-foot park planned nearby at 1240 West Carroll Avenue.

While still in the design phase, the space is expected to be privately managed but open to the public. Details on landscaping and programming have not yet been finalized.

As Fulton Market continues to add density, green space has become a growing focus for both developers and residents, especially as more former industrial parcels are redeveloped.

What Happens Next

With Committee on Zoning approval now secured, the project heads to City Council for its final major approval.

An updated timeline has not yet been released, though earlier plans pointed toward a potential mid-2026 groundbreaking.

If approved, the tower would become another major addition to Fulton Market’s rapidly changing skyline—and one of the clearest signs yet of how far the neighborhood’s growth is extending beyond its original core.

More to Explore: This Fulton Market Apartment Tower Could Be Chicago’s Next $100 Million Trade

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