Focus selected as General Contractor on 23-story mixed-use apartment tower in River North, Chicago

Chicago-based Focus has been selected to act as the general contractor for a new River North project by local developer, DAC Developments and Bayview USA Holdings.

808 Cleveland is a 284,000 GSF mixed-use building with 200 multifamily units, 20,000 SF 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, an arts and crafts room, game and party rooms, a co-working space, dog run, and pet spa.

Designed by Pappageorge Haymes, the 23-story building will consist of a concrete structure and a glass window-wall façade. The preliminary design resembles that of the building’s neighbor, the recently completed Hudson whose facade features a mix light masonry and modern floor to ceiling glass.

The currently vacant site sits across from Chicago Lights Urban Farm and is just a short walk from the Jesse White Park at the corner of Chicago and Sedgwick. The future development will activate a section of Chicago Avenue that has been previously underutilized.

“We are thrilled to be working with DAC Developments and their partner Bayview, on the 808 Cleveland project. The planned mixed-use tower will activate the currently empty lot in Chicago’s River North with a mix of housing, office and retail,” said Focus Senior Vice President of Construction, Josh Stark. “I am proud of the work our team has done in cooperation with the architect and industry trade partners, to execute the owner’s vision.”

The Focus construction team was selected due in part to their multifamily experience and thorough approach to value-engineering. During the bid process, the Focus team was able to prove the financial viability of the project by providing over $2M of accepted VE changes. “Through a competitive bid environment and a systematic approach to the VE process, the Focus construction team played a role in moving this project forward,” said Focus’ Director of Preconstruction, David Hanner. “By pursuing a more efficient structure, optimizing window wall configuration, and redesigning MEP systems, our team maintained the Owner’s vision while ensuring the project could move forward on strong financial footing.”

In addition to Hanner, the Focus project team is led by Senior Project Manager Joe Vartanian and supported by Project Manager Bhavin Pardiwala, and Senior Superintendent Mark O’Dette. Focus anticipates the project will break ground in August 2021 and will be competed in the first quarter 2023.

To learn more about the 808 Cleveland project or to learn more about our construction management services, please reach out today.