
Crane and tower beginnings at 500 North Milwaukee, as seen from our West Loop bureau yesterday. Don’t worry, we’ll get you closer.
The two-building complex Akara Partners is developing at 500 North Milwaukee Avenue is well underway, though one might question what these two structures have in common if visiting the site for the first time.
On our last drop-in, the four-story portion of the project, located on the east side of Green Street, had barely had its surface scratched. And when we stopped by this week, what used to be a dirt lot is now more of a dirt hole, having been excavated considerably over the last few weeks. In its place will the four-story, 48-unit piece of the Pappageorge Haymes-designed puzzle.
Meanwhile, progress over to the west of North Green Street is moving along, and up, quite nicely. This tower portion will eventually rise 14 stories and contain 179 units, while also providing 122 parking spaces for cars and 50 for bikes.
Both structures will combine for 14,000 square feet of retail space along the ground level, and 274,000 square feet over all. Expect this new corner gem to be complete some time in 2016.
- Much digging has been done in the east lot.
- More east lot excavation.
- Looking through the east lot to the construction on the west lot.
- The east facing of the tower, along Green Street.
- Looking south down Green Street from Ohio.
- Gratuitous crane shot, 500 North Milwaukee
- Peeking inside from the alley behind Green Street.