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Chicago’s first zero-waste store makes plastic-free living easier
Kitchen brushes with wooden handles are displayed on a white towel. A bundle of kitchen brushes by Zefiro. | Courtesy of Zefiro

Bamboo kitchen brushes, beeswax wraps, and no-container cleaners

Living sustainably isn’t always convenient or affordable, but a Chicago shop is aiming to make the transition toward a greener home a bit simpler.

Zefiro sells bamboo and sisal kitchen brushes, compostable toothbrushes, muslin produce bags, and package-free household cleaners from Chicago-based Meliora. All the items are alternative to common single-use products like sponges and plastic spray bottles.

While Zefiro has declared itself the first zero-waste shop in Chicago, many businesses are encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle. For example, Dill Pickle Coop stocks harder to find bulk items like laundry detergent and Castile soap. There are local neighborhood composting services, like Healthy Soil Compost, which collects organic waste by bicycle.

Carley Pulford launched Zefiro earlier this summer at the Wicker Park farmers market, and now it sells its products online and at pop-ups around the city. The initial opening at the farmers market was excellent timing as the vendors had, for the first time, opted to go plastic-free.

However, in Pulford’s research there wasn’t a shop solely dedicated to making small, household changes easier. Zefiro’s run at the farmers market was an experiment to see what people were interested in. Did residents want a refill shop? Were shoppers embracing the plastic-free market?

For some, it’s easy to buy a reusable item. The hard part is remembering the new routine and committing to the change when it’s inconvenient. Originally, Pulford thought about opening a refill store with bulk products but wondered if Chicagoans would brave the cold to complete household chores sustainably.

“My fear was that in January, when it’s minus 20 out, are people going to trek all the way to my store when they’re out of dish soap or detergent with there giant containers? I’m thinking, I have two children. Would I do that? Or would I already be at a grocery store or a Target saying just this one time.”

Ultimately, the farmers market trial helped Pulford decide that she was really more interested in helping folks find reusable swaps for their homes.

“I started quickly noticing the beeswax drops I made myself with local Illinois wax were my top seller. So people wanted to make that change. I did notice that more people were looking for these easier products,” said Pulford.

Cloth with a beeswax coating is an alternative to plastic wrap or foil. With Zerfiro’s drops, it’s easy to make or recoat your own.

Purchasing one of Zefiro’s kitchen brushes costs around $6.50 and will likely last much longer than a $2.99 plastic-filled sponge pack. Customers can buy a pack of five unique kitchen brushes, but Pulford says you really only need two, maybe three to take care of household cleaning and dishes.

The ultimate way to reduce waste and environmental harm? Buy less. Plus, the earth-toned, natural brushes, and package-free bar dish soap are beautiful. “If you have the dish block on your counter and a brush it looks so much better than a neon sponge and a bright green bottle of dish detergent.”

Every home is different, and there will be areas where certain changes will make more sense—so don’t worry about being perfect and find small swaps that work, said Pulford.



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Chicago’s first zero-waste store makes plastic-free living easier
Kitchen brushes with wooden handles are displayed on a white towel. A bundle of kitchen brushes by Zefiro. | Courtesy of Zefiro

Bamboo kitchen brushes, beeswax wraps, and no-container cleaners

Living sustainably isn’t always convenient or affordable, but a Chicago shop is aiming to make the transition toward a greener home a bit simpler.

Zefiro sells bamboo and sisal kitchen brushes, compostable toothbrushes, muslin produce bags, and package-free household cleaners from Chicago-based Meliora. All the items are alternative to common single-use products like sponges and plastic spray bottles.

While Zefiro has declared itself the first zero-waste shop in Chicago, many businesses are encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle. For example, Dill Pickle Coop stocks harder to find bulk items like laundry detergent and Castile soap. There are local neighborhood composting services, like Healthy Soil Compost, which collects organic waste by bicycle.

Carley Pulford launched Zefiro earlier this summer at the Wicker Park farmers market, and now it sells its products online and at pop-ups around the city. The initial opening at the farmers market was excellent timing as the vendors had, for the first time, opted to go plastic-free.

However, in Pulford’s research there wasn’t a shop solely dedicated to making small, household changes easier. Zefiro’s run at the farmers market was an experiment to see what people were interested in. Did residents want a refill shop? Were shoppers embracing the plastic-free market?

For some, it’s easy to buy a reusable item. The hard part is remembering the new routine and committing to the change when it’s inconvenient. Originally, Pulford thought about opening a refill store with bulk products but wondered if Chicagoans would brave the cold to complete household chores sustainably.

“My fear was that in January, when it’s minus 20 out, are people going to trek all the way to my store when they’re out of dish soap or detergent with there giant containers? I’m thinking, I have two children. Would I do that? Or would I already be at a grocery store or a Target saying just this one time.”

Ultimately, the farmers market trial helped Pulford decide that she was really more interested in helping folks find reusable swaps for their homes.

“I started quickly noticing the beeswax drops I made myself with local Illinois wax were my top seller. So people wanted to make that change. I did notice that more people were looking for these easier products,” said Pulford.

Cloth with a beeswax coating is an alternative to plastic wrap or foil. With Zerfiro’s drops, it’s easy to make or recoat your own.

Purchasing one of Zefiro’s kitchen brushes costs around $6.50 and will likely last much longer than a $2.99 plastic-filled sponge pack. Customers can buy a pack of five unique kitchen brushes, but Pulford says you really only need two, maybe three to take care of household cleaning and dishes.

The ultimate way to reduce waste and environmental harm? Buy less. Plus, the earth-toned, natural brushes, and package-free bar dish soap are beautiful. “If you have the dish block on your counter and a brush it looks so much better than a neon sponge and a bright green bottle of dish detergent.”

Every home is different, and there will be areas where certain changes will make more sense—so don’t worry about being perfect and find small swaps that work, said Pulford.



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Chicago’s first zero-waste store makes plastic-free living easier
Kitchen brushes with wooden handles are displayed on a white towel. A bundle of kitchen brushes by Zefiro. | Courtesy of Zefiro

Bamboo kitchen brushes, beeswax wraps, and no-container cleaners

Living sustainably isn’t always convenient or affordable, but a Chicago shop is aiming to make the transition toward a greener home a bit simpler.

Zefiro sells bamboo and sisal kitchen brushes, compostable toothbrushes, muslin produce bags, and package-free household cleaners from Chicago-based Meliora. All the items are alternative to common single-use products like sponges and plastic spray bottles.

While Zefiro has declared itself the first zero-waste shop in Chicago, many businesses are encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle. For example, Dill Pickle Coop stocks harder to find bulk items like laundry detergent and Castile soap. There are local neighborhood composting services, like Healthy Soil Compost, which collects organic waste by bicycle.

Carley Pulford launched Zefiro earlier this summer at the Wicker Park farmers market, and now it sells its products online and at pop-ups around the city. The initial opening at the farmers market was excellent timing as the vendors had, for the first time, opted to go plastic-free.

However, in Pulford’s research there wasn’t a shop solely dedicated to making small, household changes easier. Zefiro’s run at the farmers market was an experiment to see what people were interested in. Did residents want a refill shop? Were shoppers embracing the plastic-free market?

For some, it’s easy to buy a reusable item. The hard part is remembering the new routine and committing to the change when it’s inconvenient. Originally, Pulford thought about opening a refill store with bulk products but wondered if Chicagoans would brave the cold to complete household chores sustainably.

“My fear was that in January, when it’s minus 20 out, are people going to trek all the way to my store when they’re out of dish soap or detergent with there giant containers? I’m thinking, I have two children. Would I do that? Or would I already be at a grocery store or a Target saying just this one time.”

Ultimately, the farmers market trial helped Pulford decide that she was really more interested in helping folks find reusable swaps for their homes.

“I started quickly noticing the beeswax drops I made myself with local Illinois wax were my top seller. So people wanted to make that change. I did notice that more people were looking for these easier products,” said Pulford.

Cloth with a beeswax coating is an alternative to plastic wrap or foil. With Zerfiro’s drops, it’s easy to make or recoat your own.

Purchasing one of Zefiro’s kitchen brushes costs around $6.50 and will likely last much longer than a $2.99 plastic-filled sponge pack. Customers can buy a pack of five unique kitchen brushes, but Pulford says you really only need two, maybe three to take care of household cleaning and dishes.

The ultimate way to reduce waste and environmental harm? Buy less. Plus, the earth-toned, natural brushes, and package-free bar dish soap are beautiful. “If you have the dish block on your counter and a brush it looks so much better than a neon sponge and a bright green bottle of dish detergent.”

Every home is different, and there will be areas where certain changes will make more sense—so don’t worry about being perfect and find small swaps that work, said Pulford.



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Chicago’s first zero-waste store makes plastic-free living easier
Kitchen brushes with wooden handles are displayed on a white towel. A bundle of kitchen brushes by Zefiro. | Courtesy of Zefiro

Bamboo kitchen brushes, beeswax wraps, and no-container cleaners

Living sustainably isn’t always convenient or affordable, but a Chicago shop is aiming to make the transition toward a greener home a bit simpler.

Zefiro sells bamboo and sisal kitchen brushes, compostable toothbrushes, muslin produce bags, and package-free household cleaners from Chicago-based Meliora. All the items are alternative to common single-use products like sponges and plastic spray bottles.

While Zefiro has declared itself the first zero-waste shop in Chicago, many businesses are encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle. For example, Dill Pickle Coop stocks harder to find bulk items like laundry detergent and Castile soap. There are local neighborhood composting services, like Healthy Soil Compost, which collects organic waste by bicycle.

Carley Pulford launched Zefiro earlier this summer at the Wicker Park farmers market, and now it sells its products online and at pop-ups around the city. The initial opening at the farmers market was excellent timing as the vendors had, for the first time, opted to go plastic-free.

However, in Pulford’s research there wasn’t a shop solely dedicated to making small, household changes easier. Zefiro’s run at the farmers market was an experiment to see what people were interested in. Did residents want a refill shop? Were shoppers embracing the plastic-free market?

For some, it’s easy to buy a reusable item. The hard part is remembering the new routine and committing to the change when it’s inconvenient. Originally, Pulford thought about opening a refill store with bulk products but wondered if Chicagoans would brave the cold to complete household chores sustainably.

“My fear was that in January, when it’s minus 20 out, are people going to trek all the way to my store when they’re out of dish soap or detergent with there giant containers? I’m thinking, I have two children. Would I do that? Or would I already be at a grocery store or a Target saying just this one time.”

Ultimately, the farmers market trial helped Pulford decide that she was really more interested in helping folks find reusable swaps for their homes.

“I started quickly noticing the beeswax drops I made myself with local Illinois wax were my top seller. So people wanted to make that change. I did notice that more people were looking for these easier products,” said Pulford.

Cloth with a beeswax coating is an alternative to plastic wrap or foil. With Zerfiro’s drops, it’s easy to make or recoat your own.

Purchasing one of Zefiro’s kitchen brushes costs around $6.50 and will likely last much longer than a $2.99 plastic-filled sponge pack. Customers can buy a pack of five unique kitchen brushes, but Pulford says you really only need two, maybe three to take care of household cleaning and dishes.

The ultimate way to reduce waste and environmental harm? Buy less. Plus, the earth-toned, natural brushes, and package-free bar dish soap are beautiful. “If you have the dish block on your counter and a brush it looks so much better than a neon sponge and a bright green bottle of dish detergent.”

Every home is different, and there will be areas where certain changes will make more sense—so don’t worry about being perfect and find small swaps that work, said Pulford.



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Chicago’s first zero-waste store makes plastic-free living easier
Kitchen brushes with wooden handles are displayed on a white towel. A bundle of kitchen brushes by Zefiro. | Courtesy of Zefiro

Bamboo kitchen brushes, beeswax wraps, and no-container cleaners

Living sustainably isn’t always convenient or affordable, but a Chicago shop is aiming to make the transition toward a greener home a bit simpler.

Zefiro sells bamboo and sisal kitchen brushes, compostable toothbrushes, muslin produce bags, and package-free household cleaners from Chicago-based Meliora. All the items are alternative to common single-use products like sponges and plastic spray bottles.

While Zefiro has declared itself the first zero-waste shop in Chicago, many businesses are encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle. For example, Dill Pickle Coop stocks harder to find bulk items like laundry detergent and Castile soap. There are local neighborhood composting services, like Healthy Soil Compost, which collects organic waste by bicycle.

Carley Pulford launched Zefiro earlier this summer at the Wicker Park farmers market, and now it sells its products online and at pop-ups around the city. The initial opening at the farmers market was excellent timing as the vendors had, for the first time, opted to go plastic-free.

However, in Pulford’s research there wasn’t a shop solely dedicated to making small, household changes easier. Zefiro’s run at the farmers market was an experiment to see what people were interested in. Did residents want a refill shop? Were shoppers embracing the plastic-free market?

For some, it’s easy to buy a reusable item. The hard part is remembering the new routine and committing to the change when it’s inconvenient. Originally, Pulford thought about opening a refill store with bulk products but wondered if Chicagoans would brave the cold to complete household chores sustainably.

“My fear was that in January, when it’s minus 20 out, are people going to trek all the way to my store when they’re out of dish soap or detergent with there giant containers? I’m thinking, I have two children. Would I do that? Or would I already be at a grocery store or a Target saying just this one time.”

Ultimately, the farmers market trial helped Pulford decide that she was really more interested in helping folks find reusable swaps for their homes.

“I started quickly noticing the beeswax drops I made myself with local Illinois wax were my top seller. So people wanted to make that change. I did notice that more people were looking for these easier products,” said Pulford.

Cloth with a beeswax coating is an alternative to plastic wrap or foil. With Zerfiro’s drops, it’s easy to make or recoat your own.

Purchasing one of Zefiro’s kitchen brushes costs around $6.50 and will likely last much longer than a $2.99 plastic-filled sponge pack. Customers can buy a pack of five unique kitchen brushes, but Pulford says you really only need two, maybe three to take care of household cleaning and dishes.

The ultimate way to reduce waste and environmental harm? Buy less. Plus, the earth-toned, natural brushes, and package-free bar dish soap are beautiful. “If you have the dish block on your counter and a brush it looks so much better than a neon sponge and a bright green bottle of dish detergent.”

Every home is different, and there will be areas where certain changes will make more sense—so don’t worry about being perfect and find small swaps that work, said Pulford.



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Chicago’s first zero-waste store makes plastic-free living easier
Kitchen brushes with wooden handles are displayed on a white towel. A bundle of kitchen brushes by Zefiro. | Courtesy of Zefiro

Bamboo kitchen brushes, beeswax wraps, and no-container cleaners

Living sustainably isn’t always convenient or affordable, but a Chicago shop is aiming to make the transition toward a greener home a bit simpler.

Zefiro sells bamboo and sisal kitchen brushes, compostable toothbrushes, muslin produce bags, and package-free household cleaners from Chicago-based Meliora. All the items are alternative to common single-use products like sponges and plastic spray bottles.

While Zefiro has declared itself the first zero-waste shop in Chicago, many businesses are encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle. For example, Dill Pickle Coop stocks harder to find bulk items like laundry detergent and Castile soap. There are local neighborhood composting services, like Healthy Soil Compost, which collects organic waste by bicycle.

Carley Pulford launched Zefiro earlier this summer at the Wicker Park farmers market, and now it sells its products online and at pop-ups around the city. The initial opening at the farmers market was excellent timing as the vendors had, for the first time, opted to go plastic-free.

However, in Pulford’s research there wasn’t a shop solely dedicated to making small, household changes easier. Zefiro’s run at the farmers market was an experiment to see what people were interested in. Did residents want a refill shop? Were shoppers embracing the plastic-free market?

For some, it’s easy to buy a reusable item. The hard part is remembering the new routine and committing to the change when it’s inconvenient. Originally, Pulford thought about opening a refill store with bulk products but wondered if Chicagoans would brave the cold to complete household chores sustainably.

“My fear was that in January, when it’s minus 20 out, are people going to trek all the way to my store when they’re out of dish soap or detergent with there giant containers? I’m thinking, I have two children. Would I do that? Or would I already be at a grocery store or a Target saying just this one time.”

Ultimately, the farmers market trial helped Pulford decide that she was really more interested in helping folks find reusable swaps for their homes.

“I started quickly noticing the beeswax drops I made myself with local Illinois wax were my top seller. So people wanted to make that change. I did notice that more people were looking for these easier products,” said Pulford.

Cloth with a beeswax coating is an alternative to plastic wrap or foil. With Zerfiro’s drops, it’s easy to make or recoat your own.

Purchasing one of Zefiro’s kitchen brushes costs around $6.50 and will likely last much longer than a $2.99 plastic-filled sponge pack. Customers can buy a pack of five unique kitchen brushes, but Pulford says you really only need two, maybe three to take care of household cleaning and dishes.

The ultimate way to reduce waste and environmental harm? Buy less. Plus, the earth-toned, natural brushes, and package-free bar dish soap are beautiful. “If you have the dish block on your counter and a brush it looks so much better than a neon sponge and a bright green bottle of dish detergent.”

Every home is different, and there will be areas where certain changes will make more sense—so don’t worry about being perfect and find small swaps that work, said Pulford.



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Chicago’s first zero-waste store makes plastic-free living easier
Kitchen brushes with wooden handles are displayed on a white towel. A bundle of kitchen brushes by Zefiro. | Courtesy of Zefiro

Bamboo kitchen brushes, beeswax wraps, and no-container cleaners

Living sustainably isn’t always convenient or affordable, but a Chicago shop is aiming to make the transition toward a greener home a bit simpler.

Zefiro sells bamboo and sisal kitchen brushes, compostable toothbrushes, muslin produce bags, and package-free household cleaners from Chicago-based Meliora. All the items are alternative to common single-use products like sponges and plastic spray bottles.

While Zefiro has declared itself the first zero-waste shop in Chicago, many businesses are encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle. For example, Dill Pickle Coop stocks harder to find bulk items like laundry detergent and Castile soap. There are local neighborhood composting services, like Healthy Soil Compost, which collects organic waste by bicycle.

Carley Pulford launched Zefiro earlier this summer at the Wicker Park farmers market, and now it sells its products online and at pop-ups around the city. The initial opening at the farmers market was excellent timing as the vendors had, for the first time, opted to go plastic-free.

However, in Pulford’s research there wasn’t a shop solely dedicated to making small, household changes easier. Zefiro’s run at the farmers market was an experiment to see what people were interested in. Did residents want a refill shop? Were shoppers embracing the plastic-free market?

For some, it’s easy to buy a reusable item. The hard part is remembering the new routine and committing to the change when it’s inconvenient. Originally, Pulford thought about opening a refill store with bulk products but wondered if Chicagoans would brave the cold to complete household chores sustainably.

“My fear was that in January, when it’s minus 20 out, are people going to trek all the way to my store when they’re out of dish soap or detergent with there giant containers? I’m thinking, I have two children. Would I do that? Or would I already be at a grocery store or a Target saying just this one time.”

Ultimately, the farmers market trial helped Pulford decide that she was really more interested in helping folks find reusable swaps for their homes.

“I started quickly noticing the beeswax drops I made myself with local Illinois wax were my top seller. So people wanted to make that change. I did notice that more people were looking for these easier products,” said Pulford.

Cloth with a beeswax coating is an alternative to plastic wrap or foil. With Zerfiro’s drops, it’s easy to make or recoat your own.

Purchasing one of Zefiro’s kitchen brushes costs around $6.50 and will likely last much longer than a $2.99 plastic-filled sponge pack. Customers can buy a pack of five unique kitchen brushes, but Pulford says you really only need two, maybe three to take care of household cleaning and dishes.

The ultimate way to reduce waste and environmental harm? Buy less. Plus, the earth-toned, natural brushes, and package-free bar dish soap are beautiful. “If you have the dish block on your counter and a brush it looks so much better than a neon sponge and a bright green bottle of dish detergent.”

Every home is different, and there will be areas where certain changes will make more sense—so don’t worry about being perfect and find small swaps that work, said Pulford.



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November 28, 2019 at 01:10AM

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November 28, 2019 at 01:10AM

Photos by VHT Studios, courtesy of Michael Giliano of Compass

Wood trim for days

Buyers seeking a historic property with all the practicality of a newer construction will find plenty to like about this Oak Park home, built in 1912. The brick American Foursquare displays Prairie School influences including broad horizontal lines, a partially enclosed wrap around porch, and a hip roof clad in emerald tiles.

Inside, there are hardwood floors and wood trim galore. Spanning just shy of 3,000 square feet, the four-bedroom property includes stained glass windows, a wood-lined formal dining room, a contemporary kitchen with all of the modern bells and whistles, and an enclosed sunroom with a wet bar. There are also family rooms in both the attic and finished basement, and a fenced-in rear yard with a patio and detached brick garage.

Situated on a corner lot, the property at 337 S. Elmwood Avenue is a contributing structure in the Ridgeland-Oak Park Historic District, which is home notable architecture such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Unity Temple. The home recently hit the market seeking $1.2 million. It last changed hands in 2004 for $975,000, public records show.



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A closer look at the skyscrapers transforming Chicago’s skyline
A city skyline with many tall skyscrapers and buildings. A rendering showing the under construction Vista Tower (left) and the proposed supertall addition to Tribune tower (right). | Rendering courtesy of Golub & Co./CIM Group

Meet the next generation of supertall buildings

As the birthplace of the skyscraper and home to one of the world’s greatest skylines, Chicago is in the midst of reinventing itself thanks to a new batch of tall, high-profile towers.

When the 836-foot-tall One Bennett Park opened in Streeterville this spring, it was Chicago’s first 800-footer to be completed in nearly a decade. It was followed this summer by the 896-foot NEMA Chicago project at the southern edge of Grant Park. Currently, there are three 800-foot-plus towers under construction in Chicago, including the 1,198-foot-tall Vista Tower in Lakeshore East.

More projects are in the works, waiting for financing or city approval. And with big-name designers like Jahn, Viñoly, Pelli, Gang, Stern, Goettsch, Smith, and Gill involved, this latest generation of Chicago skyscrapers is raising the bar both literally and architecturally.

Here’s a rundown of the projects that will define the Chicago skyline of the future. Under construction developments are listed first followed by green-lit and still-pending proposals.

This article was originally published on October 5, 2015 and has been updated to reflect the latest news.


A group of tall blue skyscrapers. Magellan Development Group

Vista Tower

Status: Under Construction

Topping out at 1,198 feet along the Chicago River’s main branch, Vista Tower is impossible to miss. Its angular design from Chicago architecture firm Studio Gang and bKL Architecture is made up of three stacks of geometric “frustums” wrapped in eight different shades of glass, emphasizing its undulating form.

The supertall skyscraper will contain 396 luxury condos, a 192-room five-star hotel, and impressive amenities. Vista Tower will take the title of the city’s third tallest building and second-highest roof when it opens in spring 2020. It is also the tallest building under construction in the United States outside of New York.

An aerial view of multiple tall skyscrapers and buildings that are adjacent to a river running through Chicago. Goettsch Partners
Bank of America Tower at 110 N. Wacker.

Bank of America Tower

Status: Under Construction

Located at 110 N. Wacker, this Bank of America-anchored office tower is on its way to soaring 55 stories. Designed by Goettsch Partners and co-developed by the Howard Hughes Corp. and Riverside Investment and Development, it features a 45-foot-wide riverwalk below a serrated western facade designed to maximize water views.

Reaching 815 feet into the air, Bank of America Tower is the tallest new office building to rise in Chicago since the Two Prudential Plaza opened in 1990. The waterfront skyscraper replaces the midcentury low-rise General Growth building and is expected to open in fall 2020.

A row of very tall skyscrapers. Goettsch Partners/Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture
One Chicago Square.

One Chicago

Status: Under construction

Replacing a block-sized parking lot across from Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral at the corner of State Street and Chicago Avenue, this mixed-use project from JDL Development calls for a pair of towers rising 49 and 78 stories atop a shared podium. According to the latest information from the developer, the taller of the two will top out at 969 feet—just shy of the 984-foot mark that officially designates “supertall” building.

One Chicago (previously known as One Chicago Square) is a design collaboration between Goettsch Partners and Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture. It will contain a Whole Foods store, a Life Time health club, 1,000 parking spaces, and a mix of 870 rental and condo units. Construction began this spring and is expected to wrap up in late 2022.

In the foreground is a park with trees and grass. In the background is a city skyline with buildings of varying heights including one tall skyscraper. JAHN
1000M.

1000M

Status: Site prep

This Helmut Jahn-created condo building at 1000 S. Michigan Avenue will make a sizable impact on Chicago’s southern skyline when it eventually soars 832-feet over Grant Park. The glassy 74-story skyscraper will replace a surface parking lot with 421 luxury condominiums with interiors designed by Kara Mann.

Project developers Time Equities, Oaks Capital, and JK Equities listed a number of luxury units including a South Loop record-shattering $8.1 million penthouse as well as a number of smaller micro-condos. The 1000M team hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking event in October. Actual construction is expected to begin soon.

A group of tall skyscrapers in Chicago. bKL Architecture
“Parcel I.”

Lakeshore East ‘Parcel I’

Status: Approved

Across the river from 400 N. Lake Shore Drive and east of Vista Tower, this 85-story condo tower is slated for “Parcel I” within Lakeshore East’s alphabetical master plan. Designed by bKL Architecture, the glassy skyscraper will rise 950 feet above its parking podium. The 600-unit tower was approved by the Chicago Plan Commission in October of 2018.

Before work on the “Parcel I” high-rise begins, developers Magellan Group and LendLease will first complete a pair of shorter sibling towers: a 40-story rental building at “Parcel K/L” and a 50-story condo tower at “Parcel J.” The developers expect construction on the three-tower project to take between five and seven years.

A cityscape with buildings of varying heights. In the foreground is a large tall square skyscraper. Rendering by Steelblue
Salesforce Tower.

Salesforce Tower

Status: Approved

The final piece of the three-building Wolf Point development, this 60-story skyscraper will rise 813 feet above the junction of the Chicago River’s north, south, and main branches. Anchored by its namesake tenant, Salesforce comes from architecture firm Pelli Clarke Pelli and co-developers Hines, AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust, and Kennedy-affiliated Wolf Point Owners LLC.

On track to break ground in 2020, the office building will slot between two apartment buildings: the 490-foot Wolf Point West high-rise and the 679-foot under-construction Wolf Point East. Salesforce Tower is expected to welcome workers in early 2023.

A group of skyscrapers and city buildings of varying heights. It is evening and the sky is dark blue. Goettsch Partners
BMO Tower.

BMO Tower

Status: Approved

Another Goettsch and Riverside collaboration, this BMO Financial Group-anchored office tower will rise next to Chicago’s Union Station. The 50-story, 700-foot building will include a 1.5-acre publicly accessible park at its base, situated above a 400-stall garage.

A key part of Amtrak’s multiphase Union Station master redevelopment plan, the transit-oriented project will knock down an underutilized parking structure later this year. BMO Tower will be the city’s tallest building west of Canal Street when it opens in 2022.

A group of buildings with tall skyscrapers. Roger Ferris + Partners
725 W. Randolph.

725 W. Randolph

Status: Approved

While a height of “just” 615 feet puts this tower well out of the running for the city’s tallest, the project headed to 725 W. Randolph Street will nonetheless make a big impact given its location in the mostly mid-rise Fulton Market District. The 52-story development will be Chicago’s tallest building west of the Kennedy Expressway—eclipsing the 495-foot apartment tower at nearby 727 W. Madison Street.

Designed by Connecticut-based Roger Ferris + Partners and developed by Related Midwest, 725 W. Randolph has city approval for 370 rental apartments, an Equinox fitness club, and a 165-room Equinox-branded hotel.

Related, however, plans to go back to the city with a revised design that incorporates an 18-story office building just south of the hotel and residential tower—which has been bumped up 240 guest rooms—according to a recent zoning application.

A cityscape with buildings of various heights including several tall skyscrapers. Golub & Co./CIM Group

Tribune Tower East

Status: Proposed

At 1,422 feet, this proposed addition to Chicago’s neo-gothic Tribune Tower is gunning for the title of Chicago’s second tallest building. Slated for a parking next to its historic neighbor, Tribune Tower East will contain a 200-key luxury hotel, 439 rental apartments, 125 condominiums, and 430 parking spaces.

The design from hometown architecture firm of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill is quite slender by Chicago standards—partly due to a protected view corridor requiring landmarked Tribune Tower to remain visible from the Ogden Slip.

Co-developers CIM Group and Golub & Co. presented updated plans for their proposed supertall in November 2019. If all goes to plan, construction could start in mid-2022. While the developers wait for approvals, CIM and Golub are moving ahead with the conversion of the landmark Tribune Tower office building into luxury condominiums.

A row of tall skyscrapers adjacent to a park with a body of water. SOM

400 N. Lake Shore Drive

Status: On hold pending design changes

After years of rumors and speculation, Related Midwest unveiled its design for the site of the failed 2,000-foot Chicago Spire in 2018. The plan called for a pair of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill-designed towers containing a combined 550 rental apartments, 300 condo units, and 175 hotel rooms. The duo would rise 1,100 and 850 feet atop a shared podium.

Last fall, downtown Alderman Brendan Reilly rejected the proposal and placed the project on hold until the Related “addressed legitimate concerns” raised by neighbors. Issues included a desire to remove the hotel component, reduce the bulk of the podium, and restrict public access to the site and neighboring DuSable Park.

Related has yet to present an updated design for 400 N. Lake Shore Drive but was granted a zoning extension through May 2020 to do so. The developer was originally hoping to break ground on the towers in the summer of 2019 and was targeting a 2023 delivery date.

A cluster of tall buildings behind shorter buildings along a river. Related Midwest

The 78

Status: Approved, design subject to change

While the final design of the ambitious megaproject known as The 78 will change as tenants are lined up, the multiphase plan allows for skyscrapers as tall as 950 feet—serious height considering the site’s Near South Side location.

Developed by Related Midwest and masterplanned by architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, The 78 will transform a 62-acre vacant site along the south branch of the Chicago River into a mixed-use campus containing 10,000 residential units and 24,000 workers.

The 78 received initial zoning approval from the city last year. Work is already underway on utility and infrastructure improvements including an extension of Wells Street from the South Loop to Chinatown. The massive development will likely need to secure a big tenant before vertical construction kicks into gear.

A row of tall buildings with a park in front. Landmark Development
The One Central development could extend Chicago’s skyline south along Lake Shore Drive across from Soldier Field.

One Central

Status: Conceptual plan

The 34-acre proposal known as One Central would cap the Metra tracks west of Soldier Field with a 50-foot-tall deck topped by multiple skyscrapers, open space, and a landscaped pedestrian bridge connecting Chicago’s South Loop to the lakefront.

The mixed-use, transit-oriented campus from Wisconsin-based Landmark Development would also include a transportation hub serving Metra, CTA, and Amtrak trains and a proposed “Chi-Line” circulator utilizing the sunken busway between Millennium Park and McCormick Place.

Although still vague and lacking specific building heights and densities, the plan offered conceptual renderings showing ten placeholder skyscrapers with some appearing to tower above the 896-foot-tall NEMA project to the north. The plan still needs city approval and is likely to evolve before then.

A tall building towers above a row of high-rises overlooking a park. Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill

Thompson Center redevelopment

Status: Conceptual plan

In 2017, then-Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner presented rendering of a 1,700-foot-tall tower to replace the Thompson Center in the Chicago Loop. Although the Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill design was nothing more than a conceptual vision showing what could rise at the block-sized parcel, the redevelopment of the Thompson Center is inching forward now that current Governor J.B. Pritzker is advancing a plan to sell the state-owned property.

It’s unclear what is planned for the 17-story blue and salmon-colored postmodern building after it sells. Preservations are hoping to save the run-down and costly-to-maintain structure. Helmut Jahn, the Thompson Center’s original architect, presented his own vision for the site which preserves much of the existing atrium and adds a slender 110-story skyscraper to the site’s southwest corner.

Credit for this story idea and headline goes to former Curbed Chicago editor AJ LaTrace.



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November 28, 2019 at 12:17AM

Fulton Market development boom creeps north, toward River West
Courtesy ESG Architects

West Town neighbors take issue with a 16-story office project at 400 N. Aberdeen Street

In addition to pressing further west, Fulton Market’s unprecedented construction boom may soon move north—crossing the Metra tracks running between Kinzie and Hubbard streets. Here, developers are pitching a 16-story commercial building slated for a former industrial site at 400 N. Aberdeen Street.

The project, which comes from Dallas-based developer Trammell Crow, debuted in a recent public presentation hosted by the West Loop Community Organization and Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. (27th). Pending a zoning change, it would bring roughly 400,000 square feet of office space, 165 parking spots, and streetscape improvements to the area.

Though similar-sized (and larger) proposals have become nothing short of routine one or two blocks south, this project managed to strike a nerve with some residents of nearby West Town, which has experienced comparatively little construction north of Kinzie.

Because of its proposed location, the development faces a different group of neighbors such as the Friends of River West. Their objections, however, are all too familiar: the project is too tall, too dense, and residents are concerned about the project causing traffic congestion and changing the character of the neighborhood.

“There’s going to be a lot more density in this community,” explained Alderman Burnett after the developers made their pitch. “As a matter of fact, just so you all know, this area is the breadwinner for the city of Chicago right now. Probably a third of the new economic development coming to the city is coming from this community.”

The inevitability of Fulton’s boom spreading to surrounding areas comes at a time when tech firms like Google are doubling-down on the near-downtown district. Even traditional office tenants from Chicago’s central business district are eyeing moves to the trendy neighborhood.

And, with the potential for a dedicated Fulton Market Metra stop under discussion and the city considering a second extension of the downtown zoning district—this time as far west as Ashland Avenue—the trend shows no signs of letting up.

A view of 400 N. Aberdeen looking northwest.

North-of-the-tracks location aside, the 400 N. Aberdeen project is also notable for its novel design. Drafted by ESG Architects, it features a glass and metal facade with curved corner balconies offset within alternating two-story brackets.

In exchange for a zoning change from the city, the developers would pay $4 million into Chicago’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund as well as contribute money to improve nearby train crossings. If approved, construction is expected to take roughly 21 months, according to representatives from Trammell Crow.



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November 28, 2019 at 12:12AM

Chicago’s first zero-waste store makes plastic-free living easier
Kitchen brushes with wooden handles are displayed on a white towel. A bundle of kitchen brushes by Zefiro. | Courtesy of Zefiro

Bamboo kitchen brushes, beeswax wraps, and no-container cleaners

Living sustainably isn’t always convenient or affordable, but a Chicago shop is aiming to make the transition toward a greener home a bit simpler.

Zefiro sells bamboo and sisal kitchen brushes, compostable toothbrushes, muslin produce bags, and package-free household cleaners from Chicago-based Meliora. All the items are alternative to common single-use products like sponges and plastic spray bottles.

While Zefiro has declared itself the first zero-waste shop in Chicago, many businesses are encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle. For example, Dill Pickle Coop stocks harder to find bulk items like laundry detergent and Castile soap. There are local neighborhood composting services, like Healthy Soil Compost, which collects organic waste by bicycle.

Carley Pulford launched Zefiro earlier this summer at the Wicker Park farmers market, and now it sells its products online and at pop-ups around the city. The initial opening at the farmers market was excellent timing as the vendors had, for the first time, opted to go plastic-free.

However, in Pulford’s research there wasn’t a shop solely dedicated to making small, household changes easier. Zefiro’s run at the farmers market was an experiment to see what people were interested in. Did residents want a refill shop? Were shoppers embracing the plastic-free market?

For some, it’s easy to buy a reusable item. The hard part is remembering the new routine and committing to the change when it’s inconvenient. Originally, Pulford thought about opening a refill store with bulk products but wondered if Chicagoans would brave the cold to complete household chores sustainably.

“My fear was that in January, when it’s minus 20 out, are people going to trek all the way to my store when they’re out of dish soap or detergent with there giant containers? I’m thinking, I have two children. Would I do that? Or would I already be at a grocery store or a Target saying just this one time.”

Ultimately, the farmers market trial helped Pulford decide that she was really more interested in helping folks find reusable swaps for their homes.

“I started quickly noticing the beeswax drops I made myself with local Illinois wax were my top seller. So people wanted to make that change. I did notice that more people were looking for these easier products,” said Pulford.

Cloth with a beeswax coating is an alternative to plastic wrap or foil. With Zerfiro’s drops, it’s easy to make or recoat your own.

Purchasing one of Zefiro’s kitchen brushes costs around $6.50 and will likely last much longer than a $2.99 plastic-filled sponge pack. Customers can buy a pack of five unique kitchen brushes, but Pulford says you really only need two, maybe three to take care of household cleaning and dishes.

The ultimate way to reduce waste and environmental harm? Buy less. Plus, the earth-toned, natural brushes, and package-free bar dish soap are beautiful. “If you have the dish block on your counter and a brush it looks so much better than a neon sponge and a bright green bottle of dish detergent.”

Every home is different, and there will be areas where certain changes will make more sense—so don’t worry about being perfect and find small swaps that work, said Pulford.



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November 27, 2019 at 09:57PM

There is a concrete island, stainless steel range, and wooden cabinets. A minimalist, Bulthaup-designed kitchen. | VHT Studios

From tight spaces to eclectic design

In most homes, kitchens serve as the gathering place—that’s particularly true around the Thanksgiving holiday. While you might dream of a grand kitchen with tons of storage and a massive island, there are some cozy, stylish kitchens that get the job done, too.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite kitchens in the homes we’ve written about this month. Here are the kitchens we covet, and the ones that make small spaces work.


An art-filled home and quirky kitchen

Kitchen with white walls and dark wood trim has a oval island in the middle below two pendant lights. At the far end of the room there is a dedicated eating area and shelves behind glass doors.
The kitchen has dark wood cabinets penny tile flooring.

A Grecian-inspired tile pattern? Dark cherry wood cabinets? Angular light shades? We love it. The open shelves and display cabinetry exhibit the owners collection of Japanese ceramics, but are set up perfectly to show off your own ceramics, kitchenware, and favorite dishes. This listing is in the pricey Gold Coast neighborhood and will set you back $1,550,000.

A dramatic entertaining space

A kitchen with white cabinets, an island with four stools, and a staircase in the distance.
A spacious kitchen with a timber ceiling.

The kitchen’s waterfall-edge island certainly commands attention. It’s clear this space is made for entertaining—a cool modern backdrop for a lively gathering. New owners will also get to select a few of the finishing touches in the kitchen such as the cabinetry hardware. In Lincoln Park, this rehab of a 133-year-old home is asking $1,690,000.

A stylish eat-in kitchen

There is an circular dining table next to cabinets with glass panels. the kitchen has white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and white countertops.
The kitchen and dining area is bright and modern.

In just about a week this Old Town condo listed at $695,000 had an offer. Could it because of this cozy, eat-in kitchen? Even in this open layout, there’s lots of countertop space, room for a dining table, and an abundance of storage.

A minimalist, modern design

There is a concrete island, stainless steel range, and wooden cabinets.
The kitchen is modern and minimalist.

Minimal hardware, integrated steel, polished concrete, exposed brick—it’s almost too pretty to cook. In lieu of backsplash, the Bulthaup-designed kitchen also features a horizontal cut out which opens to the living room. This space is housed in a funky, geometric townhouse in Old Town listed for $1,095,000.

Making the most of a tight space

There are white cabinets, white appliances, a small window over the kitchen sink, and honey colored upper cabinets.
The kitchen was recently renovated and optimized with better storage and appliances.

This tiny kitchen was redesigned for optimal efficiency and storage. As far as as small spaces go, it has all the perks like a dishwasher, subway tiling, a breakfast bar, and a lovely window in front of the sink. This sunny unit in Logan Square is under $200,000—not surprisingly there’s an offer on the table.



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