CHICAGO — Chicago-based general contractor Skender has completed The Fulton, an 11-story, 535,000-square-foot office development at 217 N. Sangamon St. in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood. Developed by Fulton Street Cos. and Shanna Collective, the project marks the only Class A office building to break ground in Chicago since 2023, according to Skender.
Designed by FitzGerald Associates Architects and Morris Adjmi Architects, The Fulton features floor-to-ceiling windows, several outdoor terraces, a rooftop lounge and bar, multiple conference and coworking spaces and a fitness center. A basement provides parking for up to 80 vehicles.
Additionally, a glass atrium connects the new development with a redevelopment of the historic Schwinn Bicycle factory, which is being converted from apartments into office space.
Alex Panici, vice president at Skender, says the project brings the perfect blend of historical significance and modern design. “A tremendous amount of thought was put into everything from the material selection to the energy efficiency, and this property is sure to meet the needs of the modern workforce long into the future.”
The Fulton is both WELL- and LEED Silver-certified. Committed office tenants include The Coca-Cola Co., Harrison Street Asset Management, BlackEdge Capital and Permanent Capital. Gibsons Steakhouse and Equinox Fitness will occupy ground-floor retail space.
Additional project partners for The Fulton include Thornton Tomasetti as structural engineer; Eriksson as civil engineer; Syska Hennessy Group as the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineer and fire protection engineer; and site design group ltd. as landscape architect.
Fulton Street Cos. is a Chicago-based real estate development company specializing in the Fulton Market district. Shanna Collective is a full-service commercial real estate development firm with offices in Chicago and Jacksonville, Fla.
The Fulton Market/Far West Loop submarket had the lowest office vacancy rate (17.8 percent) and the highest average asking rate ($53.96 per square foot) in downtown Chicago in the first quarter, according to CBRE. Overall, the downtown office vacancy rate was 27 percent and the average asking rate was $45.41 per square foot.
— Kristin Harlow