West Loop Scores Two New High-Rise Approvals, Bringing Hundreds of Homes and Affordable Units to the Neighborhood

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Loop · February 20, 2026

West Loop's skyline is poised for another bold leap upward after Chicago's Plan Commission gave the green light to two new residential towers on Thursday — the freshest sign yet that the neighborhood's growth is far from slowing down.

The Commission approved a 29-story, 347-unit tower at 215 N. Racine Ave., proposed by Domus Real Estate Group, alongside a 32-story, 321-unit apartment building at 1338 W. Lake St. from Chicago-based developer CEDARst Companies. Both projects are seeking zoning designations typically reserved for Downtown skyscrapers — a notable first for the fast-growing neighborhood. The Racine Avenue project alone would include 70 affordable apartments spanning studios to three-bedroom units, while the Lake Street tower would set aside 65 affordable homes with a healthy mix of unit sizes. Supporters who spoke at Thursday's commission meeting praised the inclusion of affordable units, streetscape improvements, and bird-friendly design elements built into the plans.

The West Loop Community Organization hosted a virtual community meeting earlier this week to present the proposals to neighbors, drawing a mix of enthusiasm and questions about design compatibility and retail affordability. Both projects must still clear the city's zoning committee and full City Council before breaking ground. West Loop residents eager to weigh in on these developments are encouraged to stay connected through the West Loop Community Organization and their local alderman's office as the proposals advance through City Hall.

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/02/19/city-commission-advances-2-west-loop-high-rises-testings-limits-of-downtown-adjacent-zoning/