New Apartments Aim to Serve Growing Fulton River Workforce

Chicago’s Fulton River District has seen lots of growth in recent years. This small neighborhood borders nearby West Loop and both have seen a boom as small to super-sized businesses relocate their headquarters to the area.

Wolf Point – the area where the Chicago River splits into north and south branches – has also seen a growth of new office space. In fact, you may have noticed the two gorgeous high-rises standing along the river. Both 150 North Riverside and River Point Chicago are super-modern office buildings filled with tenants from law firms to investment bankers. 

It comes as no surprise that developers see an opportunity to meet the housing needs of the expanding workforce in this area. This is exactly why I’m extra excited to share that new 33-story high-rise apartments will break ground at 344 N. Canal St. in the fall of 2020.

344 N Canal Street in Chicago's Fulton River; the future site of a luxury apartment building
A new luxury apartment high-rise coming to Chicago’s Fulton River District will replace a 118-year-old warehouse.

Developer and Architects 

The developer The Habitat Company is collaborating with architects Solomon Cordwell Buenz on these new Fulton River apartments. Both Chicago-based firms have a long track record of developing and designing many properties in Chicago. They’ve also worked together on a couple of nearby apartment towers – Kingsbury Plaza and Hubbard Place in neighboring River North

The interior of a living space at Kingsbury Plaza, a luxury apartment building in Chicago
A convertible junior 1 bedroom apartment at Kingsbury Plaza, another apartment high-rise collaboration by The Habitat Company and Solomon Cordwell Buenz Architecture.

This new Fulton River District apartment tower replaces a vintage 5-story brick warehouse. Built in 1902, it’s currently occupied by the Cassidy Tire Company. After 120 years, this parcel needs a change and this will significantly modernize it.

The plans for 344 N. Canal were approved in June 2020, and one peek at the renderings has me ready to move in! 

Building Design Details

Located just south of Kinzie Street – on the west side of Canal – the exterior of the 33-story building will feature warm dark bronze painted metal panels, large glass window walls, and grey metal balconies. 

The lobby looks quite impressive too, with high ceilings that create an open airy entrance. I also see 1,400 square feet of ground-floor retail space which would be a great spot for a new restaurant (and handy for residents too!). 

These new luxury apartments in the Fulton River District will be a mix of 75 studios, 25 junior 1-bedroom, standard 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units. 

All The Extras   

The 5th floor, located above the parking garage, features high-end amenities. It’ll house a pool, sun deck, hot tub, sauna, steam room, fitness center, game room and conference room. 

I’m especially happy to see plans for landscaping enhancements around the garage, building entrance, and even the outdoor deck space on the amenities floor. Touches of greenery go a long way and will take this former tire shop from dirt and rubber to green and gorgeous.  

Pet lovers will be thrilled that 344 N. Canal will be a dog-friendly building and have a large dog run and dog spa. Also, it’s only a couple blocks walk to Fulton River Park, a popular place among neighborhood pups for the awesome long and hilly lawn.

A bonus for neighborhood livability: improvements to nearby rail crossings and traffic flow are in the works for the immediate area. 

Great Location for an Increasing Workforce

This brand new building will be an excellent location for Chicagoans who work in the surrounding area.  

A map of Chicago's Fulton River neighborhood around 344 N Canal Street
A zoomed-out view of the location of 344 North Canal Street – Fulton River’s newest luxury apartments.

In addition to the new office towers just a couple blocks south, a massive new Salesforce tower on Wolf Point will be completed in 2023. Other major offices in the area include The Mart, 333 Wacker, as well as Google and McDonalds Headquarters in West Loop. Nearby River North is home to several law firms, architects, and advertising agencies. Even the near west side Medical District isn’t too far away. 

All those offices equal a neighborhood buzzing with workers. And, what’s better than actually living so close to work, you hardly need a commute. 344 N. Canal’s 343 new apartments will be some of the most convenient in Fulton River.   

And, if you want to rent in Fulton River, but commute to another neighborhood, you’ll have an abundance of transit options: 

  • Clinton CTA Green/Pink Line station
  • Grand CTA Blue Line station
  • Merchandise Mart CTA Brown Line station
  • Ogilvie Metra station
  • Busses that run along Grand and Milwaukee

Access to the I-94 expressway is also a quick few minutes drive to the Randolph St. ramp.

Fulton River District Neighborhood Highlights

Fulton River District is a great pocket neighborhood surrounded by The Loop, River North, River West, Fulton Market and West Loop. If a luxury apartment in this centrally located riverside area sounds right for you, contact HotSpot Rentals. Our expert agents would love to help you find the perfect place.

A signature of blog writer Sarah