Architect bankrolls his own high-rise

Architect bankrolls his own high-rise November 12, 2004 BY DAVID ROEDER AND FRAN SPIELMAN Staff Reporters Advertisement For years, Scott Sonoc has designed the buildings and renovations bankrolled by others, learning his craft while working in the firms of such architectural powerhouses as John Buenz and Helmut Jahn. Now, Sonoc the architect has become Sonoc the developer and he's aiming high -- or tall, to put it precisely. Sonoc has filed for zoning approval of an $80 million, 27-story condominium tower at 735 W. Division. The building would arise on land he owns and replace a three-story loft building Sonoc rents to others and uses as his own office. He said the 245-unit tower would be the largest project yet for his Sonoc Architects & Associates Inc. The 400,000-square-foot building would include retailers and some office space, including a new home for his firm on its lower floors. "It's been a dream of mine to build a high-rise,'' said Sonoc, 48. "It's an opportunity to deal a really fine building.'' The design isn't final, but he promised a modern look with glass predominant. A parking structure, with one stall for each unit, will be part of the building's rear, keeping it away from the streetwall in a neighborhood that's grown increasingly vibrant. The site is near the former Cabrini-Green complex, now being razed and renovated into a mixed-income neighborhood. The transition has made the surrounding area safe for gentrification, with such notable projects as the conversion of the old Mongtomery Ward complex on Chicago Avenue into homes and offices. Sonoc, who has specialized in urban planning and served on the board of the Near North Side development group LEED Council Inc., said he's set aside some of his condos for lower-income buyers. Most of the project will be "upscale,'' but he said he hasn't settled on prices. He said he doesn't expect objections to the height, as there are several high-rises in the neighborhood already. "I see this as a gateway building to the neighborhood'' and the busy North and Clybourn retail section, Sonoc said. If he gets the rezoning, Sonoc hopes to start work in late 2005 and deliver the building sometime in 2007. He said he's been interviewing contractors and might take on an equity partner to help with the financing. Sonoc's work has included the design of the "campus'' for the A. Finkl & Sons Co. steel firm, 2011 N. Southport, and the Bridgeport Village subdivision of homes along the South Branch of the Chicago River from 32nd to 35th streets.>