This Fulton Market High-Rise Proposal Could Reshape Development in the Neighborhood

Major Rezoning Proposal Could Reshape Fulton Market’s Skyline

A new development proposal in Chicago’s Fulton Market District is drawing attention from developers, planners, and the wider real estate community because it could unlock skyscraper-scale buildings in one of the city’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

Led by Domus Real Estate Group, the current plan seeks a zoning change that would allow a 29- to 30-story residential tower at 215 N. Racine Avenue, a move that city planners say could set a precedent for future high-rise development in the Fulton Market area.

The proposal is scheduled for review by the Chicago Plan Commission this month, a key step in deciding whether the neighborhood can evolve beyond its current mid-rise profile.

Why This Matters: Fulton Market’s Evolving Development Landscape

Fulton Market — once known primarily for meatpacking and industrial uses — has transformed over the past decade into one of Chicago’s most dynamic mixed-use neighborhoods, anchored by offices, restaurants, loft conversions, and newer residential towers. The district already includes buildings like 900 West Randolph Street, a 43-story residential skyscraper that became one of the tallest structures in the area when it opened in 2023.

A successful zoning change for 215 N. Racine would mean the neighborhood could see buildings with density similar to downtown Chicago’s Loop, potentially accelerating the transition from low- and mid-rise development to a true urban high-rise corridor.

What the Proposed Tower Could Look Like

Current designs for the Fulton Market tower project envision a roughly 30-story residential building with:

• Approximately 347 apartments

• Ground-floor retail space

• Parking and bicycle facilities

• Rounded architectural lines and amenity decks with outdoor space

The developer has also responded to community feedback by incorporating plans for a public green space separate from the tower site, which could include recreational uses like basketball or pickleball courts.

To proceed, the project is seeking a rezoning from DX-5 to DX-16 — a designation that allows for significantly increased height and density, similar to what underpins Chicago’s tallest downtown skyscrapers.

What This Could Mean for the Fulton Market Neighborhood

Allowing skyscraper-scale buildings in Fulton Market would mark a significant shift from the district’s historic character of low-rise brick warehouses and mid-rise conversions. Longer term, the change could:

• Attract more high-density housing near transit and jobs

• Increase demand for retail, dining, and services in and around Fulton Market

• Encourage developers to propose additional towers in the area

• Change the skyline and urban feel of the Near West Side

This shift is already evident in other approved or planned projects within Fulton Market, including large mixed-use developments and residential towers previously approved by the Chicago Plan Commission.

However, the proposal has sparked debate among residents, planners, and preservation advocates who worry about infrastructure, neighborhood character, and the pace of change.

Where Development Trends in Fulton Market Are Headed Next

If the zoning request is approved by the Chicago Plan Commission and later by City Council, Fulton Market could become a test case for how Chicago accommodates growing demand for urban living while balancing historical context and community concerns.

At the same time, other parts of the city continue to evolve with their own high-density and mixed-use projects, signaling that Chicago’s residential development landscape is in the midst of a meaningful shift.

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