Residential Development Proposed for Chicago’s Goose Island

A plan for the riverfront property would bring thousands of housing units to the historically industrial area.

1 minute read

February 17, 2020, 11:00 AM PST

By Camille Fink


Goose Island Chicago

Bernt Rostad / Flickr

"Vancouver-based Onni Group is exploring plans to build 2,100 to 2,500 apartments on the southern tip of [Chicago’s Goose Island,] the traditionally industrial island, a riverfront development that could have more units than the massive Presidential Towers complex downtown," writes Ryan Ori.

Until 2017, residential development was not permitted on the 160-acre human-made island. A change in the city’s zoning regulations has spurred the Goose Island plans as well as other riverfront developments in the area. Purchase of the site involved a requirement that affordable housing make up 20 percent of the new residential units.

"If Onni’s ambitious Goose Island plan gains city zoning approval and comes to fruition, it would bring an influx of residents to a longtime industrial corridor headed for waves of development," says Ori.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020 in Chicago Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

3 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

4 hours ago - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.