Riverline’s Next South Loop Tower Moves Forward at 910 S. Wells

SOUTH LOOP - Another major South Loop riverfront project is moving forward.

A pile permit has been issued for 910 S. Wells Street, also known as Riverline Parcel F Building B, marking an important construction milestone for the next phase of the larger Riverline development. The project is planned along the South Branch of the Chicago River near S. Wells Street and W. 10th Street, where the former Taylor Street right-of-way cuts through the site.

The development is being led by CMK Companies, with Gensler designing the tower and Brandts Build serving as general contractor. While a full construction timeline has not yet been announced, the pile permit allows foundation work to begin.

What Is Planned at 910 S. Wells?

The proposed tower at 910 S. Wells is planned as a 28-story mixed-use building standing approximately 314 feet tall.

Current plans call for:

350 residential units
3,300 square feet of retail space
137 parking spaces
Ground-floor residential lobby
River-facing amenity space
Bike storage
Outdoor terrace
New riverwalk section
Pedestrian path connecting Wells Street to the riverfront

The ground floor is expected to place the residential lobby along S. Wells Street, with retail space positioned near the southeast corner facing both Wells and the former Taylor Street right-of-way.

Parking and loading access would come from S. Wells Street, with bike storage located near the garage entrance.

Why the Pile Permit Matters

A pile permit may not sound as exciting as a full groundbreaking, but it is a meaningful step.

Piles are deep foundation elements that help support a tall building. For a riverfront tower, foundation work is especially important because the structure needs to be built for height, soil conditions, and long-term stability near the water.

The permit allows the project team to start the below-grade work needed before the tower can rise. In simple terms, this is the type of approval that moves a project from planning into early construction activity.

For the South Loop, that matters because it shows Riverline is continuing to advance after years of planning, revision, and phased construction.

A New Tower Along the South Branch

Riverline Parcel F Building B at 910 S. Wells Gensler

Riverline is one of the most important long-term riverfront developments in the South Loop.

The larger site sits along the South Branch of the Chicago River, between established downtown neighborhoods and other major future growth areas. The vision for Riverline has always been about more than adding buildings. It is about turning underused riverfront land into a more connected residential community with public open space, retail, riverwalk access, and improved pedestrian movement.

At 910 S. Wells, the proposed tower would add another residential piece to that larger vision.

The project’s river frontage is expected to include a new section of riverwalk with greenery and landscaping. A pedestrian path with green space and a water feature would connect S. Wells Street to the riverwalk, helping make the site feel more open and connected to the surrounding area.

Design and Street-Level Experience

The building is expected to take shape as a rectangular slab tower with a glass window wall system.

Renderings show a transparent lobby facing S. Wells Street, while the podium wraps around the base of the tower with a wider floor plate. The parking floors are expected to be screened with a metal fin system, and the top of the podium would include a landscaped residential amenity deck.

That design approach is important because high-rise development in the South Loop is not only about skyline impact. It is also about how the building meets the street, how it connects to the river, and whether it adds activity at ground level.

Retail space, riverwalk improvements, and pedestrian connections can help make this stretch of Wells feel more complete over time.

Why This Matters for the South Loop

The South Loop has been one of Chicago’s most important downtown growth areas because it offers a rare mix of location, transit, parks, lakefront access, riverfront land, and major development sites.

Projects like 910 S. Wells reinforce that momentum.

The building would add new housing near the river, close to downtown offices, Printer’s Row, Roosevelt Road, The 78, Grant Park, Museum Campus, and major transit routes. That location gives future residents access to both established South Loop amenities and emerging development corridors.

For buyers thinking about long-term value, these projects are worth tracking because they can influence neighborhood demand, walkability, public space, and perception of the area.

For a broader look at why buyers are watching the neighborhood, read Is South Loop Chicago a Good Investment? What Buyers Need to Know Before They Buy.

Riverfront Development Is Reshaping the Area

Chicago’s riverfront has become one of the city’s most important development corridors.

In the South Loop, riverfront projects are especially significant because they help connect areas that once felt separated by vacant land, rail infrastructure, older industrial uses, and underused parcels.

A new tower at 910 S. Wells would not only add apartments. It would also help extend the riverwalk experience, bring more activity to Wells Street, and create a stronger residential edge along the South Branch.

That kind of development can make nearby condos and residential buildings more attractive because buyers often respond to improved walkability, better public space, active ground floors, and stronger neighborhood identity.

What Buyers Should Watch

For buyers considering the South Loop, Riverline is one more reason to pay attention to development momentum near the river.

Important things to watch include:

Construction timing
Retail leasing
Riverwalk completion
Pedestrian connections
Traffic and parking impact
How nearby towers lease up
Future phases of Riverline
Connections to The 78 and Roosevelt Road
Impact on nearby condo demand
How the area feels once more residents move in

A project like this can change how a pocket of the neighborhood functions day to day. More housing can bring more activity, but the quality of street-level design, river access, and retail will help determine how much it improves the surrounding area.

For buyers comparing South Loop buildings near major growth areas, Best Chicago Condo Buildings Near The 78 Development offers helpful context on how nearby projects can shape buyer demand.

The Takeaway

The pile permit for 910 S. Wells is a major step for the next Riverline tower in the South Loop.

The planned 28-story, 314-foot mixed-use building would bring 350 residential units, 3,300 square feet of retail, 137 parking spaces, new riverwalk improvements, green space, and a stronger pedestrian connection between Wells Street and the Chicago River.

While a full construction timeline has not been announced, the permit shows that Riverline’s next phase is moving from planning into early construction work.

For the South Loop, this is another sign that riverfront development remains one of the neighborhood’s most important long-term stories.

Looking to Buy in the South Loop?

Whether you are comparing condos near Printer’s Row, Museum Park, Prairie District, Dearborn Park, The 78, or the riverfront, the South Loop continues to evolve quickly. Connect with the Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier for expert guidance on building quality, pricing, resale value, development momentum, and where today’s best opportunities may be.