Focus completes construction of the 8o8, an amenity high-rise in downtown Chicago

The project has reached substantial completion after receiving the final certificate of occupancy in April. The 8o8 will have a substantial impact on the Cabrini Green neighborhood by providing new attainable housing units alongside luxury apartments, office and retail space.

Acting as general contractor, Focus announced the completion of construction on The 808 after receiving certificate of occupancy last month. The 23-story mixed-use tower at 808 N. Cleveland Avenue, in downtown Chicago initially broke ground in October of 2021. Built for clients DAC Developments and Bayview USA Holdings, The 8o8 is a 284,000 gross square feet (GSF) structure featuring 200 multi-family units, 20,000 square feet of office space, and 7,500 SF of retail space. The project also includes an impressive amenity package featuring a swimming pool, spa, multiple fitness-related spaces, game and party rooms, a co-working space, dog run, and pet spa. Designed by Pappageorge Haymes, one of Chicago’s great design firms and 40 year veteran of the industry, the thoughtfully crafted structure reflects the context of the surrounding neighborhood. The building consists of a concrete structure and a glass window-wall façade, with multiple outdoor terraces and decks and includes structured parking with 101 dedicated stalls.

“We were thrilled to play a role in the 8o8 project,” said Executive Vice President of Construction, Josh Stark. “The impacts of this project were far reaching, like providing 8 local hires and developing new attainable housing — all while achieving the goals of our client by delivering the project on time and on budget.”The positive impacts of the project are aligned with the Focus mission is to enhance the communities where they work. Located on the corner of Chicago Avenue and Kingsbury, The 8o8 is situated on the south end of Cabrini Green, an area of the city which has seen a lack of investment in recent years, especially when it comes to affordable housing. The 8o8 not only activates an underutilized pocket of the neighborhood, but will also bring 20 affordable units to the River North neighborhood. Throughout construction, the Focus team actively engaged with neighbors, including the Chicago Lights urban farm, donating time and labor to support the community garden which aims to “cultivate an engaged community through educational and employment opportunities and access to fresh, local, and sustainably grown produce.”

Construction on the high-rise began during a period marked by very high levels of price and supply volatility. The Focus construction team worked proactively to provide price control and schedule security with actions such as ordering and storing window-wall materials in advance. During preconstruction, teams of designers, engineers, and construction managers worked to coordinate drawings, which allowed for the early release of design and materials, enabling teams to minimize supply chain impacts.

“Focus was an excellent building partner at the 8o8,” said Danny Rezko, President of DAC Developments. “Their expert approach to construction management and onsite supervisions ensured expeditious and creative problem solving, which not only kept the project on time and on budget, but also directly added value to the project.”

The Focus team who made The 8o8 project possible include:

• Project Executive, Joe Vartanian
• Project Manager II, Bhavin Pardiwala
• Assistant Project Manager, Maddie Nauman
• Project Engineer, Joey Zamost
• General Superintendent, Mark O’Dette
• Superintendent I, Brandon Smrz
• Field Engineer, Emi Kirby

Having delivered over 6,500 multifamily units to Chicagoland since 1993, Focus is a time-tested contractor with a proven track record with clients like DAC Developments, Greystar, Marquette, and Fifield.

For 30 yeears, Focus has worked diligently to identify, meet and exceed our clients expectations. As a vertically integrated development and construction company, the places and spaces Focus brings to life mirror the collaboration between its multi-disciplinary teams driven to manifest success. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Focus is responsible for distinctive  developments that value over $2.4 billion. These projects range from smaller, multifamily communities in historic districts to high-density, mixed-use redevelopments in thriving downtowns. Since expanding to offer third-party general contracting services, Focus’ construction division has built real estate projects valued at over $530  million.

The 8o8 is now leasing. The spacious, luxury apartments range from private furnished bedrooms, to studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units. Browse units, explore amenities and inquire about leasing opportunities on the property website.