1529 N Fremont St.

1529 N Fremont St. embodies missing middle housing—multi-unit housing types that bridge the gap between single-family homes and high-rise developments. Developed for CityPads, a company focused on providing affordable rental solutions near transit, the project offers a compact and connected way to live in the city. Situated on a constrained site surrounded by existing retail buildings, this project transforms a surface parking lot into a residential development, introducing gentle density to a transitional neighborhood in need of greater housing diversity. It delivers 132 rental units, 20% of which are designated as affordable housing, offering a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts designed for compact, functional living, complemented by ground-floor retail that will enhance the pedestrian experience.

Designed for first-time renters and young professionals, the project offers streamlined amenities, including a rooftop deck and a small coworking space, ensuring affordability while maintaining functional shared spaces. The design strategy prioritizes cost-effective solutions and materials for an urban yet budget-friendly aesthetic, with masonry at the base reinforcing Chicago’s architectural character. Floorplates remain consistent throughout to optimize construction efficiency, while strategic material changes add texture and variation without additional expense. The result is an efficient, well-integrated structure that balances affordability with a distinct urban identity. Retail spans the ground floor, with parking discreetly screened behind it to activate a pedestrian-friendly streetscape and reinforce Transit Oriented Development principles.

The design solves the challenge of integrating a broad five-story building into its surroundings while avoiding a monolithic block through façade variations in fenestration, materials and framed entry points. The building’s U-shaped configuration maximizes natural light and features an interior courtyard, which serves as a visual green space and functions as a green roof, aligning with the Chicago Sustainable Development Policy to reinforce a more resilient urban fabric. The courtyard’s blank façade will be enlivened by a large-scale mural, enhancing the visual experience.

By developing an underutilized site, the project will bring much-needed activity to Fremont St., shifting it from a primarily daytime commercial corridor to a more dynamic, 24/7 environment. As North American cities like Chicago encourage missing middle housing, this project serves as a model for responsible urban growth—delivering high-quality, compact rental units that maintain affordability while fostering a more connected, transit-accessible future.