Southport Avenue Will Serve as the Epicenter of Foundry Park

Foundry Park is now designed with Southport Avenue transformed into the development’s dynamic central spine—a true focal point for activity and connection. This extended thoroughfare, reaching down to Cortland Street, will become a bustling commercial artery, complete with protected bike lanes, a mix of street-level shops, restaurants, and national retailers—all energized by Tax Increment Financing to foster smart, inclusive growth

At the heart of this layout, nestled along Southport Avenue’s eastern flank, lies an inviting two-acre public green—the beating civic core of the neighborhood. It’s a place designed for gathering, with a central lawn set to host farmers markets, fairs, and even seasonal ice skating. Towering around this lawn are four striking developments—from 8 to 38 stories—housing residences, a 180-key hotel, office space, and street-level retail anchored by grand, stepped podiums. 

Southport doesn’t stop there—it connects further. West of the avenue, additional mid-rise structures, parks, 19 single-family homes, and 28 townhomes frame a cohesive, walkable community. South of Cortland, mid-rises reach up to 30 stories, further defining the skyline while integrating with the extension of the 606 Trail.

Across the river, just a short stroll from Southport’s energy, Foundry Park explores even more growth: a 12-story office building and a 35-story residential tower with a fitness center. Together, they form a connected, layered urban experience with Southport at its center. 

In total, Foundry Park is projected to include roughly 2,800 residential units and over $1 billion in investment, underwritten by a partnership between JDL and Kayne Anderson Capital. Southport Avenue isn’t just a street here—it’s the pulsing heart of a bold new neighborhood unfolding in phases.

Per Chicago YIMBY, “JDL is currently working with the city to amend the existing zoning and TIF approvals from the former Lincoln Yards Planned Development. The team hopes to finalize this process by next spring. A groundbreaking date has not been announced, nor is it clear how the phasing will unfold. However, JDL hopes to get started sooner rather than later.”

What do you think?