HUGO is a mixed-use residential development by LG Development that brings new density, luxury housing, and street-level retail to Chicago’s dynamic River North neighborhood.
Challenge
The project required creating a high-density live-work-shop environment that complements the character of River North while responding to the site’s unique configuration. The design also needed to integrate residential, retail, parking, and amenity spaces within two separate buildings while supporting the City of Chicago’s Design Excellence initiatives.
Solution
Working with long-time client LG Development, we designed two nine-story buildings comprising 227 residential units above podium levels containing retail space, below-grade parking, bicycle storage, loading, and building services. Varied façade elements, undulations, and setbacks respond to different unit types and functions, while a mix of masonry, metal, glass, and plaster cladding reflects the architecture of the Chicago Avenue corridor. Extensive amenities include fitness facilities, outdoor terraces, dog-run areas, conference rooms, outdoor kitchens, cabanas, fire pits, and rooftop gathering spaces.
Outcome
HUGO expands housing choice in one of Chicago’s most desirable urban neighborhoods while strengthening its mixed-use character. Located within walking distance of public transit, the development supports a connected urban lifestyle and is designed to achieve an ENERGY STAR® Statement of Energy Design Intent score of 75 or higher.
A landscaped pool deck on the Hudson Avenue building and a rooftop terrace on the Chicago Avenue building provide distinct outdoor experiences for residents.
Ninth-floor rooftop gathering spaces offer unobstructed views of the Chicago skyline, creating memorable destinations within each tower
Most residential units feature private balconies, extending living spaces outdoors and enhancing connections to the surrounding neighbourhood.
LG Group is building capacity and density in the dynamic neighborhood of River North near Chicago, IL with its latest integrated development. HUGO embodies luxury apartment design. It features a mix of high-end amenities and street-level retail that compliments the growing business area and community made up of art galleries, vibrant nightlife and upscale restaurants. The project, located at 751 N Hudson Avenue and 411 W Chicago Avenue, comprises two nine-story buildings that are nearly adjacent to one another, separated by an existing low-rise masonry building. The vision is to create a live-work-shop environment in a desirable location.
NORR collaborated with our trusted and long-time client LG Group to implement many of the Design Excellent initiatives in the Chicago Department of Planning to deliver this new luxury project. The HUGO development features multiple residential floors on top of a podium deck comprised of retail space, below-grade parking spaces, bike storage, loading berth and required mechanical services. The exterior consists of varied facade elements with undulations and setbacks that respond to the various functions and apartment unit-types within the building. Most of the units will have exterior balconies with a mix of masonry, metal, glass and plaster cladding materials, reflecting the architecture of the Chicago Avenue corridor. A total of 227 livable spaces were created in a mix of unit types and sizes, with a rooftop deck on the Chicago Avenue building, and a landscaped pool deck on the Hudson Avenue building. The program components include fitness facilities, outdoor terraces, dog-run areas, breakout pods, conference rooms, outdoor kitchens, cabanas and fire pits. A 9th-floor deck provides unobstructed views of the iconic Windy City skyline in both towers.
With access to several local bus routes and just a 5-minute walk to Chicago’s L line, HUGO will provide tenants with a new choice in luxury living. The residential development has an ENERGY STAR® site Statement of Energy Design Intent (SEDI) score of 75 or higher.
