Building Momentum: The 1901 Project's West Garage Takes Shape — And It Comes With a Rooftop Park

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Near West Side · May 16, 2026

Near West Side neighbors, your neighborhood's development story just hit another exciting milestone. The 1901 Project — one of the most ambitious mixed-use developments to take root in the area in years — has officially crossed a major construction threshold this week: foundation and tower crane permits have now been issued for the project's West Garage, signaling that vertical construction is genuinely underway.

Here's what makes this one extra special: the three-story structure isn't just a parking garage. Plans call for ground-floor retail and — wait for it — a rooftop park sitting right on top. That means neighbors will soon have a brand-new green perch to enjoy above street level, tucked into one of the neighborhood's most dynamic new developments. It's the kind of community-minded design detail that shows developers are thinking beyond square footage and parking counts.

The 1901 Project has been a closely watched development on the Near West Side, and this week's permitting news confirms the build is progressing on schedule. With a rooftop park, street-level retail, and structured parking all in the mix, this project is shaping up to be a genuine community asset. Keep an eye on the Chicago Department of Buildings permit tracker at chicago.gov for construction updates — and get excited, Near West Side, because your skyline is changing for the better!

Sources:
1. https://chicago.urbanize.city/neighborhood/near-west-side
2. https://chicago.urbanize.city/