Halsted Landing Construction Set for 2029 Under New Timeline

Halsted Landing will begin construction in 2029 under a new timeline released recently.

Imagine a community emerging along the banks of the Chicago River, where modern skyscrapers harmoniously blend with welcoming public areas and abundant green spaces. This is the vision, for Halsted Landing, a $1.1 billion development initiative by Onni Group, a Vancouver based company located at 700 W. Chicago Ave.

Unveiled designs offer an exciting peek into this expansive riverfront project, which has encountered delays prior to approval by the Chicago Plan Commission. Nonetheless the developer remains determined aiming to kick off construction in 2029 and proceed through three phases over the eight years.

Designed by the renowned architects at Goettsch Partners, this ambitious project will transform the area with four soaring mixed-use towers. These modern skyscrapers will provide 2,451 residential units, offering a vibrant urban lifestyle.

But Halsted Landing is more than just homes. At street level, retail spaces will line the sidewalks, creating a lively atmosphere with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Residents and visitors alike can take advantage of extensive underground parking for nearly 2,000 vehicles.

However, this development also caters to those who prefer two wheels over four. An impressive 2,451 bike parking spots make it easy and convenient for cyclists to embrace an environmentally-friendly commute or casual rides along the nearby Chicago River.

Beyond the buildings themselves, Halsted Landing cultivates a true sense of community through thoughtful landscaping and green spaces. Lush parks and walking paths along the riverfront provide pockets of nature amid the urban bustle. This harmonious blend of residences, businesses, and natural scenery promises to revitalize Goose Island into one of Chicago’s most dynamic live-work-play neighborhoods.

Halsted Landing’s development phases

The initial phase is set to be finished by Q3 of 2031. Will introduce a 56 story tower featuring a sleek window wall design adorned with outdoor balconies.

The tower will be constructed above a four story base and an 11 story midrise segment providing 540 units, in the tower and 148 units in the base and additional sections. On the ground level there will be stores and an entrance lobby, for residents both overlooking a built access road that runs through the area.

The next phase, expected to be finished by the quarter of 2034 will bring in a distinctive building, at the intersection of W. Chicago Ave and N. Halsted St. This 44 floor tall skyscraper reaching 500 feet high will provide 382 living spaces in the tower and 160 units in the base and side sections. The ground floor will encircle retail spaces totaling 33,300 square feet, while the residential lobby faces east towards the newly extended N. Jefferson St. In addition this phase will reveal a nine floor building along N. Halsted St. featuring 3,800 feet of retail space and an entrance for residents facing the newly constructed access road.

The developer will complete the third and final phase of Halsted Landing by Q1 2037. Two towers connected by a four story base will gracefully rise along W. Chicago Ave near the rivers edge. The western tower will reach up to 51 floors. Stand at a height of 550 feet offering 540 living spaces in its tower and an additional 45 units in its base and side sections. Its eastern counterpart, soaring at a height of 57 floors and stretching up to 650 feet high will accommodate a total of 606 units within its tower with an extra set of units, in its base and side sections.The platform will offer 8,400 feet of space adding to the lively vibe of this riverside neighborhood.

Confluence, the landscape designer has intricately planned the riverfront to revive the regions connection, with the Chicago River following years of separation. The proposed plan includes a riverwalk that will seamlessly integrate with future extensions, offering multiple pathways from the street to the river, linkages to adjacent riverwalk segments, and programming that celebrates the beauty and energy of the waterway.

Addressing the site’s 30-foot grade change from street to waterfront, the design incorporates a series of distinct experiences, including a vibrant urban streetscape, elevated belvedere terraces, tiered step and planting zones, an inviting waterfront, and a dramatic pedestrian bridge spanning the river. The riverwalk will feature a water taxi stop, a drink rail with stool seating, shared areas, terraced seating, an overlook deck with shade structures, a riverwalk restaurant with seating, an overlook stage platform with a canopy, an amphitheater, retail spaces, a native riparian planting trail, a playground with a climbing wall, a potential floating wetland area, riverwalk bike parking, and a restaurant overlook terrace.

Halsted Landing will include affordable units

To meet the city’s Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO), the overall development will include 490 affordable units, with Phase 1 offering 138 of its 688 total units as affordable housing. Additionally, Onni Group will contribute $17.8 million to the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, $3.8 million to the Industrial Corridor Conversion Fee, $2.2 million to Local Impact Funds, and $2.2 million to the citywide Adopt-A-Landmark program.

While the project has faced multiple deferrals before the Plan Commission, Onni Group remains committed to bringing this transformative development to life. However, the nonprofit neighborhood organization North Branch Works has raised concerns about the proximity of the residential buildings to heavy industrial uses, potentially leading to unwarranted complaints against properly zoned and permitted businesses in the area.

Despite these challenges, the vision of Halsted Landing promises to reshape the Goose Island neighborhood, offering a harmonious blend of residential, retail, and public spaces that celebrate the city’s architectural heritage while embracing its future.