Zoning Approved for 9-Story, 52-Unit Project at 315 S Jefferson

Rendering of 315 S Jefferson St by Built Form LLC

A new residential development is moving one step closer to reality in West Loop Gate.

Zoning variations have officially been approved for a mixed-use project at 315 South Jefferson Street, clearing a major hurdle for a proposal that would replace a small surface parking lot near downtown. The site sits just steps from Union Station and Old Post Office, placing it in one of the most transit-connected pockets of the city.

The project is being led by a local developer, with Built Form LLC handling the design.

A Compact but Efficient Design

Plans call for a nine-story building rising to approximately 109 feet, designed to fit on a relatively tight footprint spanning about two standard Chicago lots. That constraint has shaped the building’s design, resulting in a slimmer profile compared to nearby developments.

The ground floor will include:

1,130 square feet of commercial space at the corner
A residential lobby
A 22-space parking garage, utilizing a vertical mechanized system to maximize space

That automated parking setup is becoming more common in dense urban projects where traditional garages aren’t feasible.

Residential Units and Amenities

Above the ground floor, the building will offer 52 residential units, broken down into:

14 studio units
23 one-bedroom units
15 two-bedroom units

The mix suggests the project is targeting a range of renters, from individuals to small households, particularly those drawn to the area’s proximity to downtown and transit.

The second level will serve as the building’s main amenity floor, featuring:

A fitness room
Resident lounge
Co-working space with private rooms
A small outdoor amenity deck

These types of shared spaces have become standard in newer developments, especially in areas like West Loop Gate where many residents work hybrid or remote schedules.

Design and Location Advantage

From an architectural standpoint, the building will feature a modern exterior with dark-tinted glass and reflective metal panels, along with inset balconies accented by darker materials.

While the structure itself is relatively modest in height compared to nearby towers, its location is a major advantage. West Loop Gate has seen steady growth as an extension of the broader West Loop, driven by its access to major employers, transportation hubs and adaptive reuse projects like the Old Post Office.

Being within walking distance of Union Station also makes the site especially attractive for commuters, connecting residents to both downtown and the broader Chicagoland region.

What Happens Next

With zoning approval now secured, the project can move forward into the permitting phase. Final costs and a construction timeline have not yet been announced, but approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals is a critical step that allows the development to advance.

In a part of the city where larger towers often dominate headlines, this project stands out for a different reason, it’s a smaller, infill-style development that makes use of a leftover site.

And in neighborhoods like West Loop Gate, those kinds of projects are becoming an increasingly important part of how new housing gets added.

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Ranked among the top 1% of real estate teams in the Chicagoland market, Cory Tanzer and the Cory Tanzer Group are experts in helping buyers and sellers navigate today’s market across Downtown Chicago, the North Shore, and the Western Suburbs. Recognized for their neighborhood expertise in areas such as University Village, University Commons, South Loop, and Pilsen, the team helps clients stay one step ahead by understanding where the Chicago market is headed next.