“Plans have been revealed for the residential redevelopment of the existing loft building at 444 North Wabash Avenue in River North. Located at the corner of East Illinois Street, the top floors of the five-story structure have long been vacant. The project is being led by local developer KJF Properties.
“The red-brick building was last renovated in the mid-1980s. Now, local firm Red Architects is leading the design of the redevelopment. The project will retain the existing ground-floor and basement commercial spaces, which are currently occupied by a restaurant and other retail tenants.
“The upper levels will be converted into 34 residential units, consisting of four studios, 24 one-bedroom units, and six two-bedroom units. Some of the units will have internal bedrooms that utilize borrowed light.
“The project falls within the building’s current zoning; however, the development team is pursuing minor zoning variances, including the removal of open space requirements.” (Achong, Chicago YIMBY, 6/5/25)