Two Chicago Towers Could Bring 334 Apartments to the Near North Side. Here's What Changed
Rendering of North Union by HPA
NEAR NORTH SIDE, CHICAGO— Two planned apartment buildings in Chicago's North Union development could become significantly larger, adding more housing to a growing Downtown neighborhood.
Developer JDL Development has submitted revised permit applications for 220 W. Chestnut Street and 915 N. Franklin Street, increasing the combined apartment count from 123 to 334 residences.
That's 211 additional apartments compared with the earlier plans, a substantial change for two buildings that have experienced construction delays.
The proposals remain under city review, with no confirmed construction restart or completion dates. Here's what's changing and why it matters for the Near North Side.
What's Changing at North Union?
The revised plans increase both the height and residential capacity of the two buildings.
| Building | Previous Plan | Revised Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 220 W. Chestnut | 5 stories, 23 apartments | 7 stories, 80 apartments |
| 915 N. Franklin | 12 stories, 100 apartments | 22 stories, 254 apartments |
| Total | 123 apartments | 334 apartments |
220 W. Chestnut Street
Construction previously reached the foundation, basement and first-floor stages before pausing.
JDL now proposes reusing that existing structure for a seven-story building with 80 apartments, parking, a fitness center and additional amenities.
915 N. Franklin Street
The second building would undergo an even larger transformation, increasing from a previously planned 12-story structure with 100 apartments to a 22-story tower containing 254 apartments.
The site was cleared following demolition work in 2025. Earlier plans included ground-floor retail and an industrial-inspired design, but updated architectural details have not been released.
Previous project coverage identified this Franklin Street site as 909 N. Franklin. The latest revised proposal is reported under 915 N. Franklin.
Are the Two Buildings Approved for Construction?
PREVIOUS rendering of 220 W Chestnut Street by HPA
Not yet.
Although the larger North Union development received Chicago City Council approval in 2021, the latest building revisions are still moving through the city's review process.
The application for 220 W. Chestnut Street was submitted in July 2026, with reviews beginning in September.
The revised application for 915 N. Franklin Street was submitted on October 29, 2026.
Neither revised plan had received final reported approval as of the October 30 update.
Updated architectural renderings, revised construction schedules and completion dates have also not been announced.
That means the additional apartments remain proposed rather than guaranteed.
Why Is North Union Planning More Apartments?
PREVIOUS rendering of 915 N Franklin Street by HPA
The revisions suggest JDL is reconsidering how much housing can be accommodated on the two development sites.
The proposed apartment count has increased by approximately 172%, with much of that additional density concentrated in the Franklin Street tower.
The developer has not publicly detailed every reason for the changes. However, the revisions come as Chicago developers continue evaluating opportunities to deliver more housing in established Downtown neighborhoods.
North Union is already one of the Near North Side's largest redevelopment projects.
The approximately 8-acre master-planned community is designed to transform former institutional property near Wells Street, Chestnut Street and Oak Street into residential buildings, retail spaces and public areas.
JDL's broader vision includes approximately 2,656 residences, developed across multiple phases.
Several buildings have already been completed, including rental communities at 868 N. Wells Street, 920 N. Wells Street and 871 N. Franklin Street.
The two revised proposals would continue that transformation, subject to approvals and construction.
How Is the Near North Side Neighborhood Changing?
North Union sits between established residential communities and some of Chicago's busiest Downtown destinations.
The surrounding neighborhood provides access to:
Old Town: Restaurants, neighborhood shops and entertainment along Wells Street.
River North: Dining, nightlife, galleries and Downtown employment centers.
CTA Brown and Purple Lines: Nearby Chicago Avenue station connections toward the Loop and surrounding neighborhoods.
Retail and services: Existing commercial corridors and additional retail envisioned within North Union.
Open space: Parks and pedestrian-oriented outdoor areas included in the broader development plan.
JDL's master plan also envisions more than 100,000 square feet of park space, although individual public-space improvements depend on the development phases.
For residents, additional apartments could mean more opportunities to live within walking distance of transit, restaurants and everyday services.
More households could also support neighborhood businesses by bringing additional customers to the area throughout the week.
However, the proposals do not establish how nearby rents, condominium prices or property values will change.
What Does This Mean for Downtown Renters and Buyers?
If approved and completed, the two buildings would expand housing choices in a part of Chicago already attracting substantial residential development.
For renters, the additional apartments could introduce more options near Old Town, River North and the Near North Side's employment centers.
Specific floor plans, rental rates, affordable housing allocations and leasing schedules for the revised buildings have not yet been announced.
For buyers, North Union's continued development highlights the evolving mix of rental communities, established condominium buildings and newer residential properties in Downtown Chicago.
Those considering purchasing nearby should evaluate HOA fees, property taxes, building reserves, parking, nearby construction activity and comparable sales before making a decision.
The most important takeaway is that North Union is still evolving.
The latest proposals could bring substantially more residents to the neighborhood, but the next milestones will be city review, approval of the revised plans and confirmation of construction timelines.
Explore Living Near North Union and Downtown Chicago
Considering a move to the Near North Side, Old Town, River North or another Downtown Chicago neighborhood?
Understanding nearby developments, available housing and changing neighborhood amenities can help you make a more informed real estate decision.
The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier helps buyers, renters and relocation clients navigate Chicago's housing market with local neighborhood expertise.
Connect with our team to explore available Downtown Chicago homes and compare neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle, priorities and budget.
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