Chicago developer Newcastle Ltd. has withdrawn its plan for a 39-story, 368-unit building at 1120 to 1130 N. State St., currently the site of a Barnes & Noble store. The Chicago Tribune reported that the decision came at the request of Second Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, who "heard overwhelming community opposition to Newcastle's plan, regarding the proposed tower's height, design and overall density."
"It's excessively tall for that lot, it's not an attractive structure and it does not fit in with the neighborhood," Hopkins said. "They missed the mark on all counts."
The Tribune had reported in September 2018 that trusts controlled by David Blum and his Lawrence Management Co. were putting the property up for sale as a potential high-rise development site. Jones Lang LaSalle broker Tom Kirschbraun, who is representing the seller in the potential sale, said at the time Barnes & Noble was on a short-term lease that could be canceled to make way for a redevelopment of the site.