Overview

• The full City Council unanimously approved two apartment towers at 1840 N. Marcey St., authorizing 19- and 16-story buildings with 590 units and 147 parking spaces after more than a year of debate.
• Approval followed a July 15 zoning committee vote endorsing plans scaled back from 615 units and 275 parking spots in response to local concerns.
• Modifications were driven by Ald. Scott Waguespack and neighborhood groups worried about the towers’ height, traffic impacts and affordability provisions.
• Sterling Bay will seek separate City Council legislation to secure a “low-affordability community” designation that qualifies it for property tax incentives to fund its on-site affordable units.
• The project on a former C.H. Robinson site near the stalled Lincoln Yards development highlights Chicago’s effort to close a 120,000-unit housing gap while balancing neighborhood character.