Related Midwest breaks ground on 900 Randolph in Chicago

Related Midwest, along with LR Contracting Company and BOWA Construction, has broken ground on 900 Randolph, a new mixed-use development in Fulton Market. The project will make history as the 43-story building will become the city’s first high-rise project with an African-American Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) co-leading construction.

Designed by Morris Adjmi Architects, 900 Randolph in Fulton Market features 300 apartments from studios to 3-bedrooms, complemented by a full suite of amenities and services. This is Related’s third collaboration with Morris Adjmi Architects nationwide and second in Chicago; the firm previously partnered with Related for the 300-unit Landmark West Loop tower at 1035 West Van Buren, opened in 2015. While adding architectural significance to Chicago’s skyline, the development will also be a model for the future as it is the first major building constructed under new Affordable Illinois legislation, with 80 percent market-rate and 20 percent affordable units, totaling 60 affordable residences. 900 Randolph will be the fourth project in Chicago under the Related Rentals brand, projects synonymous with luxury high-rise living and thoughtful services and benefits.

“We are thrilled to bring this transformative project to Fulton Market, where it will set a new standard for Chicago’s residential market by creating the highest quality housing for all Chicagoans,” said Curt Bailey, President of Related Midwest. “With its elegant design and innovative approach to mixed-income development, this is a building for Chicago’s future.”

“I can think of no better place than the vibrant Fulton Market neighborhood—a community known for creativity, innovation and progress—for Chicago’s first high-rise built by a Black-owned firm, which will provide both market-rate and affordable housing in an area of tremendous economic opportunity,” said Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. (27^th). “The partnership between Related Midwest and BOWA Construction sets an example for the construction and development industry, and I’m proud that it is making history in the 27^th Ward.”

“Morris Adjmi Architects has a vision that respects the context and rich history of the neighborhood and reinterprets it for the present,” said Ann Thompson, Executive Vice President of Architecture and Design at Related Midwest. “900 Randolph was conceived with the strongest principles of design excellence in mind through a collaboration with the community, and it will enrich the Fulton Market experience for residents and visitors alike.”

“900 Randolph is the latest development in an ongoing partnership between Related Midwest, LR Contracting and BOWA Construction,” said Don Biernacki, President of LR Contracting and an Executive Vice President of Construction at Related Midwest. “We are proud to partner with BOWA, which has already made its mark on the city of Chicago with top-quality construction and impactful projects and now will leave a lasting mark on the city’s skyline.”

“BOWA is thrilled to partner with Related Midwest and LR Contracting on a project that will make history in Chicago while creating jobs and opportunities for the city’s residents,” said Nosa Ehimwenman, President and CEO of BOWA. “This collaboration sets a new bar for the future of construction in Chicago.” 
“With this project, BOWA Construction is breaking barriers for Black businesses across Chicago and beyond," said Charles Smith, the chairman of the Business Leadership Council and the CEO and President of CS Insurance Strategies. “We applaud Related’s commitment working with local partners across the community at every level of their projects.”

Based in Chicago, BOWA Construction brings 25-plus years of experience in general contracting and construction management to projects in healthcare, science and technology, transportation and multi-unit residential. Previous BOWA Construction projects in collaboration with Related Midwest have included Lathrop and the Taylor Street Library and Apartments, reflecting BOWA’s mission to build in communities that represent the diverse face of the city.

LR Contracting, the contracting division of Related Midwest, is known for its work on both luxury and affordable properties throughout the Midwest. With over a quarter century of experience in construction through a broad breadth of projects, LR Contracting currently has over $150 million in projects under construction and 2,000 units in the pipeline. Marquee LR Contracting projects include South Loop Luxury by Related, Park Tower and Lathrop.