In 2025, Chicago’s real estate scene is shifting toward more mixed-use and multifamily projects that combine living, working, and entertainment spaces all in one place. With office vacancies still high and renters looking for vibrant neighborhoods with easy access to transit and amenities, developers are focusing on creating communities that feel flexible and connected.
Here are three exciting projects that really capture this trend:
The 1901 Project: Bringing New Life to the Near West Side
The 1901 Project is one of the city’s biggest upcoming developments, planning to add nearly 10,000 new homes along with parks, hotels, shops, and even a music venue. It’s a perfect example of Chicago’s move toward walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods where everything you need is close by.
What to know:
- Around 10,000 new residential units
- Brand-new parks and green spaces
- Retail, hotels, and a full-service music venue
Bronzeville Lakefront: Building a Connected and Inclusive Community
This massive 100+ acre project on the South Side is more than just new buildings—it’s about creating a community. With a new Metra station, a mix of affordable and market-rate housing, and spaces for innovation and retail, Bronzeville Lakefront is shaping up to be a hub of opportunity and connection.
What to know:
- Over 100 acres redeveloped
- Transit-focused with mixed-income housing
- Innovation hubs and retail spaces planned
Fulton Market Conversions: Turning Offices into Homes
Chicago is leading the way nationally by converting empty or underused office buildings into apartments and mixed-use spaces. In neighborhoods like Fulton Market and the West Loop, developers are breathing new life into old buildings, responding to rising demand for flexible, urban living.
What to know:
- More than 3,600 office-to-residential conversions are underway
- Focused in downtown and trendy neighborhoods
- Creating vibrant new spaces for living and working
