Trailhead

NORR collaborated with LG Group on a new residential development in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood, adjacent to the Bloomingdale Trail in Chicago, IL.  This development addresses the lack of retail and residential space in the area with two floors of retail space, above which extends four floors of residential containing 17 efficiency, 68 one, 17 two and 7 three-bedroom units for a total of 109 which include 20% affordable units. In addition, the lower floors also offer parking spaces and bike storage, along with a loading bay and mechanical services. The building has great integration with this transit-oriented development into the Bloomingdale Trail and is close to the city centre, offering a strong community connection.

The current zoning through the City of Chicago Planned Development process assumed a base zoning of B3-5 with a total FAR (floor area ratio) up to 5.0 pursuing adjustments through various TOD (transit oriented development) bonus programs. The design worked to maximize FAR and utilize the adjacency of the 606 trail. The result is a building designed to relate to the Bucktown neighborhood and tie directly into the Bloomingdale Trail. The Trailhead facade facing east is broken up to maximize its unique views of the City’s skyline, the Bucktown neighborhood and the 606 trail. The façade on Artesian Avenue are townhouses that relate to the 2-flats and single-family homes that are common to the Bucktown neighborhood. NORR utilized  a hybrid steel and CFMF (cold formed metal framing) structure to minimize cost and maximize efficiency on the unique “L” shaped building site. NORR’s collaboration in Construction Administration resulted in an apartment building that was delivered on time and leased quickly after delivery.

The development is a strong addition to the neighborhood with a mix of masonry, metal, glass and plaster cladding with striking blue accents and unusual angles. The building offers a direct connection to the Bloomingdale Trail, with public restrooms and access to retail on the second floor. Being so close to public transit, residents can commute quickly and easily to the city center and other areas of Chicago. The modern residential units, which include 20% affordable housing as part of the Northside Pilot Program, were 95% leased within three months of completion