River North Is Building Up: Two Major New Developments Are Reshaping Your Neighborhood's Skyline

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Near North · June 29, 2026

Near North neighbors, your neighborhood's skyline is getting a serious refresh — and not just one project, but two exciting new developments are rising from the ground up right in River North.

First, keep your eyes on 310 W. Huron Street, where ZSD Corp is launching RiverWard — a nine-story mixed-use residential project that will transform a longtime surface parking lot at the corner of Huron and Orleans streets into a vibrant hub of 149 apartments and street-level retail. Already approved by the Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals, RiverWard will span the full block from N. Franklin to N. Orleans, sitting right next to the Brown and Purple L lines — making it a true transit-oriented development built for modern, sustainable city living. Completion is expected by 2027.

Meanwhile, over at 227 W. Chicago Avenue, foundation work is now well underway on a 10-story, 56-unit building developed by Noah Properties. Designed by Jonathan Splitt Architects, the project includes ground-floor retail and a 22-car garage, and sits practically in the shadow of the Chicago Brown/Purple Line elevated platform — ideal for car-free commuters. Between RiverWard and 227 W. Chicago, River North is clearly doubling down on its identity as one of Chicago's most dynamic, walkable, and transit-friendly neighborhoods. Are you excited about new housing coming to the neighborhood? Drop your thoughts in the Socialhood comments below!

Sources:
1. https://blog.databid.com/blog/9-story-residential-building-to-replace-river-north-parking-lot
2. https://chicagoyimby.com/2026/01/foundation-work-is-underway-at-227-west-chicago-in-river-north.html
3. https://chicago.urbanize.city/neighborhood/river-north