Adaptive Reuse Advances With Permits and Variations at 19 S. LaSalle

The Zoning Board of Appeals grants the variations the Jenney building needs, and the city issues a renovation permit for the $64 million conversion.

The Chicago Zoning Board of Appeals has approved the variations required to convert 19 S. LaSalle, and the city has issued a renovation permit for the work. One variation allows alternative compliance with minimum on-site open space rules; another reduces the transparent window area otherwise required at street level, a concession that protects the landmark facade.

Envoi Partners acquired the property in October 2024. The $64 million project pairs 175 residential units with 32 hotel rooms and 6,600 square feet of retail in the 1893 Central YMCA headquarters, one of the last William Le Baron Jenney buildings standing in the Loop.

The building will provide no car parking. In its place the plan includes 105 bicycle spaces split between the ground floor and basement, along with coworking space, a theater and a rooftop deck for residents. Power Construction is the general contractor.

Summarized from coverage by Urbanize Chicago. Figures and project details are illustrative pending final approvals.