New Tower Design Revealed for 331 South Plymouth Court

ACoDA, a new 25-story, $162 million mixed-use tower planned for 331 South Plymouth Court in Chicago’s Loop, is set to transform a vacant lot and parking garage at the corner of West Van Buren Street by Pritzker Park. The project is led by DL3 Realty and designed by Perkins&Will.

It revives a site that previously housed the Assemble Chicago proposal by The Community Builders and Studio Gang. The project is currently awaiting political approvals.

Project Vision and Design

ACoDA’s massing and exterior will reference the nearby Fisher Building through an angled form and light brown decorative fins. It also features a higher degree of glazing to brighten the tower’s interior and create a modern urban living experience.

The design highlights a strong transition from the podium to the tower. This approach activates the street and delivers a welcoming public realm at ground level and on upper podium terraces.

Architectural Details and Urban Context

The project aims to balance a unique silhouette with a range of ground-level amenities. A four-story podium will house ground-floor retail and restaurants, co-working space, and live-work lofts for local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Above the podium, the tower will offer 300 residential units, including 60 designated as affordable housing.

• 25-story geometry designed to engage both the street and Pritzker Park views
• Substantial glass envelope to maximize daylight and city views
• Four-story podium creating a vibrant street-level environment
• Public realm enhancements aligned with the adjacent park

The project includes an outdoor deck on the fifth floor overlooking Pritzker Park. It also features a $1.5 million redevelopment of the park to enhance public space.

Community, Housing, and Public Realm

ACoDA is designed as a mixed-use project that combines housing, entrepreneurship, and outdoor amenities. The inclusion of 60 affordable units out of 300 residences supports housing equity and a diverse community in the Loop.

Ground-floor activation and a dedicated co-working space aim to foster local startup activity. This helps connect residential life with the city’s business community.

Amenities for Residents and Neighbors

The project features live-work lofts for small operators and a co-working space to encourage local entrepreneurship. A mix of retail and dining options will be located on the podium.

The large outdoor terrace and park improvements are designed to benefit residents, pedestrians, and park users. These features support the Loop’s pedestrian-friendly character.

Construction, Partners, and Approvals

The development is led by DL3 Realty with Perkins&Will as the design team. Power Construction and UJAMAA Construction are the general contractors.

ACoDA still requires Chicago City Council approval and several small grants before construction can begin. Municipal support and public processes are essential for the project to move forward.

Some elements from earlier plans, such as a YMCA and a Rush clinic, are not included in the current design. The focus is now on retail, co-working, and housing.

What This Means for the Loop

ACoDA represents a strategic shift in the Loop’s development paradigm. It combines a bold architectural statement with a strong focus on housing, entrepreneurship support, and park revitalization.

If approved, the tower could bring more investment to West Van Buren Street. It may also create a renewed sense of place around Pritzker Park.

For architectural and engineering professionals, ACoDA serves as a case study in balancing height, massing, and public realm objectives within a dense urban area. It also highlights the challenges of public sector approvals and phased project delivery.

 
Here is the source article for this story: New Tower Revealed For 331 South Plymouth Court In The Loop