As the ‘Kenect Apartments’ at 500 N. Milwaukee see their first tenants move in, a second Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) near the Grand Avenue Blue Line stop is preparing to join the neighborhood. With demolition permits issued for the four-story building at 710 W. Grand as well as the neighboring single-story structures at 708 and 712, the planned 9-story, 105-unit apartment building from developer Wicker Park Apartments is one step closer towards becoming a reality.

Designed by architecture firm Brininstool+Lynch, the new building is comprised of two rectangles joined at a 30-degree angle. Aside from being visually interesting and providing wider views of Chicago’s downtown skyline, the layout takes full advantage of the deeply-set, triangular building site. The planned structure also distinguishes itself through its building materials and detailing. While the two ends of the elongated building consist of a modern glass and metal window wall system, the sides are clad in white terracotta and feature a shifted pattern of punched window openings.

Located roughly 300 feet from the Blue Line, 710 W. Grand is a true TOD and features just 45 vehicle stalls for 105 units to achieve a parking spot ratio of 0.43. The development also includes 6,592 square feet of commercial retail space. Approved under the previous version of Chicago’s Affordable Requirements Ordinance (ARO), the new development will forgo on-site affordable rate units and instead pay into the city’s housing fund.