Focus receives approval for transit-oriented, luxury apartment building in Oak Park

203 South Marion at the corner of Marion and Pleasant streets in downtown Oak Park, IL will soon be home to a new 7-story, mixed-use building, developed by Chicago-based Focus. The Oak Park village board voted Thursday to approve the new development.

Offering 158 luxury rental units, 203 S. Marion will feature a mix of studio, 1-bed, 2-bed and ground-level maisonette homes to capture the needs of a modern, renter-by-choice market. Located a mere 2-blocks from the CTA and Metra commuter rail lines, 203 S. Marion will be a transit-oriented development offering a short 15-minute commute to Chicago’s loop and Medical District business districts. Not only will the community be idyllic for downtown commuters but will also offer a walkable, urban experience. Located in the heart of downtown Oak Park, residents will enjoy access to major retailers, grocers, local dining options and the beautiful Mills Park, all within walking distance.

Designed by world-class architect Booth Hansen, the building will be seven stories tall with a 2-story precast podium and 5-floors of courtyard style, wood-frame structure above, reminiscent of the historic buildings of Oak Park. In addition to a small retail space at the corner of Pleasant and Marion streets, 203 Marion will feature unique maisonette units on the ground-floor, which will further activate the streetscape. A detailed brick façade and floor-to-ceiling windows will create a best-in-class aesthetic for the enjoyment of tenants and surrounding community members alike.

In addition to the maisonette units and the 1,200 SF of retail space, the ground-floor will house the building’s lobby and covered parking accessed from the alley. Luxury amenities will be peppered throughout the building – such as indoor and outdoor lounges, a fitness center and pet spa.

Focus is proud of the partnership it has developed with the Village of Oak Park. Having built other developments in the community such as, The Mews, The Terraces and Euclid Commons, Focus has a deep-rooted respect for Oak Park and values the continued relationship.

“We believe in the power of an existing community context and make it the starting point of every Focus development,” said Focus CEO and Founder, Tim Anderson. “Our approach to 203 S. Marion emphasizes the historic nature of the site and the goals of the Village of Oak Park to responsibly grow the community. We are thrilled to be working side-by-side with the village and world class architects like Booth Hansen, to bring a beautiful new community to the area.”

The 203 S. Marion project will be led by Focus Senior Project Manager, Courtney Brower. Brower, who recently completed work on suburban development Kelmscott Park in Lake Forest, IL is also an architect by training and an experienced developer. Her design and technical training made her the ideal fit for a project like 203 S. Marion, located in Oak Park’s historic Pleasant District, the building will offer an elevated design which celebrates its notable roots.

“I am delighted to be leading the 203 S. Marion project team,” said Brower. “The unique qualities of the community and the focus on elevated design make the 203 S. Marion project an architect and developer’s dream. We are eager to deliver on the goals of the City of Oak Park and look forward to working with its community members.”

The 203 S. Marion project is expected to break ground in July 2021 and hopes to begin leasing in the Fall of 2022 Taking approximately 18 months to complete, Focus aims to deliver the building in early 2023.

To learn more about the 203 S. Marion project, our work in Oak Park or to discuss a project of your own, please reach out today.