Office-to-Residential Conversion Proposed for 212 E. Ohio

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A zoning application has been filed to convert the existing five-story office building at 212 E. Ohio Street in Chicago into a mixed-use development with ground-floor retail and 28 residential units on the upper floors. The project, designed by Gansari & Associates LLC, would retain the existing restaurant on the ground level while converting the former office space into a mix of one-bedroom and four-bedroom apartments.

Why it matters

This adaptive reuse project reflects a broader trend of converting underutilized office space into residential units in downtown Chicago, as the city’s real estate market continues to evolve in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The elimination of parking and other requirements aims to make the project more feasible and align with the city’s goals of promoting transit-oriented development.

The details

The proposed development by Cubed Real Estate would retain the existing restaurant on the ground floor of the building while converting the upper four floors of office space into 28 residential units. The basement would include a fitness amenity space, a bike room, and mechanical spaces. To facilitate the conversion, the developer is seeking a Type 1 rezoning that would allow an administrative adjustment to eliminate parking, open space, and loading space requirements.

• The zoning application for the project was filed in March 2026.

What’s next

The proposed project will require approvals from the Committee on Zoning and Chicago City Council.