CHICAGO — Another commercial property in River North is set for a major transformation as developers move forward with converting the former Salesforce office space at 111 W. Illinois St. into a residential complex. The project reflects a broader trend of adapting underutilized office buildings in post-pandemic urban markets.
The development is being led by WindWave Real Estate and Path Construction, who together recently completed the $17 million purchase of the office portion of the building. The full conversion will total $64 million, according to a report from CoStar.
What’s Planned for the New Residences
According to Urbanize Chicago, the architectural firm Pappageorge Haymes Partners is designing the transformation. Floors five through ten will be converted into 153 residential units. The building will also gain:
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A 1,700 square foot indoor amenity space
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A 2,600 square foot rooftop terrace on the 10th floor
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A new residential lobby
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160 indoor bicycle parking spaces
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No car parking planned
The lack of vehicle parking and emphasis on bicycle facilities signals a transit- and sustainability-focused approach, aligning with broader trends in River North and downtown Chicago development.
A National Trend Echoed in River North
111 W. Illinois is just one of several buildings in Chicago being eyed for office-to-residential conversion, especially in neighborhoods where demand for modern apartments is outpacing commercial office leasing. These projects aim to revitalize city blocks while adapting to changing work-from-home and hybrid realities.
The building is located between North Clark Street and North LaSalle Drive, putting it within walking distance of public transit, dining, and downtown attractions — factors that make residential redevelopment more feasible and attractive to developers and renters alike.
What’s Next
Construction is expected to begin this month, though a timeline for completion has not yet been confirmed. It remains unclear whether Chicago Development Partners, who were previously tied to the project, are still involved.
With a $64 million budget and a prime downtown location, the project at 111 W. Illinois is now one of the largest ongoing office-to-housing conversions in the city this year.
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