Developers Alter Chicago’s 640 W Washington Tower

Chicago project 640 West Washington Boulevard, planned in West Loop Gate, has undergone a redesign, Chicago YIMBY reports. Located on the corner with N Des Plaines Street, near the Kennedy Expressway, the tower is sought as Chicago’s density pushes west. Crescent Heights, a Miami-based developer, is behind the project, and the design includes Nema in partner with Hartshorne Plunkard Arcphitecture. The original plans for the slim, 47-story, 515-ft-tall tower were approved in 2021 by city council, but as the project was ready for construction, officials said the design was revised and shortened. The building will now rise 38 stories and top out at 425 ft, with a mechanical penthouse disguised within the faҫade. Although the overall height was reduced, the overall number of units will remain the same, with 413 residential units running from studios to three-bedroom floor plans. About 41 affordable residences were called for, but only 10 will be on the site, as nearly US$6 million will be paid in exchange. There is also a reduction in parking spaces, from 137 to 121. No information was given about whether there would be a change in the planned ground-floor, 8,000-ft2 space.