Two significant projects by FitzGerald Associates Architects—a 216 unit complex at 15th & Blue Island, and Atrium Village, a 1500 unit phased development designed to seek LEED Certification—received their final city zoning approvals when the projects’ respective Planned Development applications were approved by the City Council on July 25th, 2012 under guidance of a recommendation by the Chicago Plan Commission.
Designed for an empty lot on the edge of Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, 15th Blue Island is poised just south of Chicago’s medical district and southwest of the University of Illinois at Chicago. The building’s market-rate and affordable units, along with private secure parking, will provide stylish, attainable homes with outstanding views of the city. The development is targeted to hospital staff, university faculty, and area students. In addition to over 200 residences, the development will bring 10,000 square feet of retail space and increased street parking.
The proposed new Atrium Village will be built as a LEED certified, phased development encompassing 1500 dwelling units, 300 of which will be set aside as affordable housing; expanded retail development along both Division Street and Wells Street totaling 32,000 square feet; a two-acre public open space, fully-enclosed parking facilities; and an expanded Bright Horizons School.
“We are delighted that the community is excited about the change,” said John Marasco, Chief Development Officer of Security Properties, one of the several development partners at Atrium Village. “[We are] eager to have an opportunity to have many of our current residents become residents of the new buildings. Our goal is not only to revitalize Atrium Village but ensure that it remains a model for the nation—of what great urban housing developments can be.”
