Chicago Fire Department
Recently, the City of Chicago has unveiled plans to replace the historic Engine Co. 42 fire station in River North, located at the corner of Illinois and Dearborn Streets, with a brand-new, state-of-the-art firehouse paired with a towering mixed-use development. This proposal mirrors the city's strategy of integrating public services like libraries with affordable housing in upcoming projects in neighborhoods such as West Ridge, Little Italy, and Irving Park. The River North initiative is set to be a collaboration between public and private entities.
According to the proposal, the existing fire station at 55 W. Illinois Street will be demolished and replaced with a $20.2 million facility funded by local developer Friedman Properties. Once completed, the current building will make way for a towering skyscraper spanning up to 614,000 square feet of office and mixed-use space. The architectural design will be handled by Chicago-based DLR Group.
While a preliminary image of the glassy skyscraper has been shared in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Friedman and the city, it’s clear that the final design is still undergoing refinement. The city is also considering alternative bids from other potential developers for a 30-day period following the public release of the Friedman deal details.
Under the current arrangement, Friedman will pay the city $5 million to acquire the current firehouse site and an adjacent alley to construct the tower. Zoned as DX-7 Downtown Mixed-Use, the land may require Friedman to contribute up to $10 million into Chicago’s Neighborhood Opportunity Bonus system for additional zoning rights. These funds would then be redistributed to support projects in less-developed areas of the city.
So far, no formal approvals have been granted for the project, which will require the usual process involving community outreach and presentations to the Chicago Plan Commission and City Council. The city anticipates receiving approximately $4.4 million annually in new real estate taxes from this development.
Developer Albert Friedman has struck a deal with city officials to erect a brand-new firehouse for the Chicago Fire Department in River North, complete with a towering office and mixed-use complex. This marks an unusual public-private partnership where the city gets a modern firehouse at no cost, while Friedman secures a major business opportunity. As one of the largest property owners in River North, Friedman previously led the development of a three-hotel, 657-room project just north of the existing Engine Co. 42 station.
Designed by DLR Group, the new tower will stand tall among the many skyscrapers already dotting River North. While the residential rental market has seen significant activity, demand for office space remains robust in this area. Unlike apartments, office spaces face less competition here, making it an attractive prospect for Friedman.
Although Friedman Properties declined to comment directly, they released a statement emphasizing their commitment to developing the property in a way that benefits the fire department, neighboring properties, and the city as a whole. They’ve signed an MOU with the city, which will entertain bids from other developers for a month. Under the deal, Friedman will cover the $20.2 million cost of the new firehouse and pay $5 million for the current station, set to be demolished. The existing building, operational since 1968, will make way for Friedman’s ambitious project.
Additionally, Friedman has agreed to contribute $10 million to the city’s Neighborhood Opportunity Bonus program, which allows developers to secure zoning changes. The funds will help support neighborhood development initiatives. Alderman Brendan Reilly praised the potential of this partnership, noting its ability to enhance the area while providing a modern home for Chicago’s firefighters.
Friedman’s other notable properties in River North include the SpringHill Suites/Residence Inn at 410 N. Dearborn, the iconic Medinah Temple at 600 N. Wabash Avenue, and the historic Reid Murdoch Center at 325 N. LaSalle Street. He’s also planning a 500-room hotel near Reid Murdoch and is part of a joint venture constructing an eight-story hotel at 530 N. LaSalle Street, rumored to be a Moxy Hotel by Marriott.
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