Since topping off back in the summer, progress has been moving along well at the site of Ascend Real Estate Group's Niche 905 in Chicago's rapidly rising River North district. Designed by FitzGerald Associates Architects, the 18-storey, 202-unit apartment tower has joined a corner of downtown Chicago that has witnessed an explosive amount of growth in the mid-rise condo and apartment market over the last few years. 

Niche 905 against the Chicago skyline, image by Forum contributor harryc

Featuring a mixture of sizes from studio to three-bedroom apartments, all units will feature a range of high-end finishes including plank flooring, gourmet kitchens with quartz countertops and glass tile backsplashes, and Euro-style cabinetry. For tech lovers, all units will feature top-end connectivity options for high-speed internet, while for those who choose to entertain, there will be a rooftop pool, spa, and sundeck, paired with an indoor and outdoor bar, grilling station, and fire pit, along with a community garden, dog run, pet wash station, and bike workshop as an added bonus. 

Niche 905, alternate angle, image by Forum contributor harryc

In order to build on the site of a former church parking lot, the adjacent St Luke's received a donation of $50,000, a good return on investment as land values in downtown Chicago continue to reach record highs. 

Exterior close-up view of cladding and balconies, image by Forum contributor harryc

Once complete, Niche 905 will include 1,750 square feet of retail space at ground level, above which parking for 150 cars and 110 bikes will be provided on the upper podium level, eschewing the need for the costly addition of underground parking. For those who prefer public transit, Niche 905 is just four blocks from both the Chicago Brown/Purple Line and the Red Line station at Chicago Avenue and State Street. 

Niche 905, close to transit with parking available for car owners, image by Forum contributor harryc

Set for occupation in early 2017, Niche 905 will be a welcome addition to the area, a neighbourhood that used to be the site of a series of under-utilized surface lots, whose redevelopment will go a long way to increasing foot traffic and urban vibrancy in this once-sleepy stretch of downtown Chicago. 

For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.