The Evolution of Fulton Market: A Hub of Innovation and Growth

Fulton Market, once a district known for meatpacking and food distribution, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades.

Today, it stands as one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, blending its industrial roots with modern developments that have made it a prime destination for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

Summit Design and Build was born in the heart of this booming area, in 2005. Ever since, Summit has played a role in shaping Fulton Market and the broader city of Chicago’s infrastructure.

A Brief history of Fulton Market

Originally established in the 19th century, Fulton Market was the epicenter of Chicago’s meatpacking industry. With its proximity to the Chicago River and rail lines, it was the perfect location for warehouses and distribution centers. For years, the district was a bustling hub of industry, supplying food products to much of the Midwest.

However, by the late 20th century, changes in the food distribution industry and shifts in urban development began to take their toll on the neighborhood. Many warehouses were abandoned, and the area saw a decline in its original purpose.

Fulton Market, once a district known for meatpacking and food distribution, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades.

Today, it stands as one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, blending its industrial roots with modern developments that have made it a prime destination for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

Summit Design and Build was born in the heart of this booming area, in 2005. Ever since, Summit has played a role in shaping Fulton Market and the broader city of Chicago’s infrastructure.

The Boom Begins

The real shift in Fulton Market began in the early 2000s when creative businesses and artists started moving into the area, attracted by the large industrial spaces and proximity to downtown. Around the same time, the city recognized the potential of the neighborhood and invested in infrastructure improvements. With the opening of trendy restaurants and office spaces, the neighborhood’s revival began to accelerate.

Then came the tech and corporate boom. Google’s decision to open a Midwest headquarters in Fulton Market in 2015 was a turning point. The addition of the Morgan CTA “L” stop in Fulton Market was instrumental in making the area a destination as well as an easy to reach neighborhood.

This major move, coupled with popular companies such as McDonald’s relocating their global headquarters to the neighborhood, signaled Fulton Market’s arrival as a premier business hub in Chicago.

Recent zoning changes approved by the Alderman to permit large-scale residential development have significantly enhanced Fulton Market’s growth, livability, and walkability.

Summit Design + Build Completes Two Burdeen’s Jewelry Locations in Chicago’s Gold Coast

Summit Design + Build recently completed the adaptive reuse for Burdeen’s Jewelry, located at 120 E. Oak Street in the Historic Gold Coast, as well as interior alterations to the existing Burdeen’s Jewelry located at 11 E. Walton in the base of the Waldorf Astoria. The 120 E. Oak project consisted of the interior build-out for Burdeen’s, as well as two luxury flagship stores situated on either side.

Located in the heart of Chicago’s luxury shopping destination, as well as steps away from Lake Michigan and Oak Street Beach, Burdeen’s is the perfect location to visit. The two-story luxury jewelry store located at 120 E Oak consists of over 10,000 sf of retail space. It shares an outer structure and shell with Panerai and IWC. Some of the luxurious features include a watchmaking studio, a transparent glass floor, and a large skylight to illuminate the space with natural sunlight. This is the fourth location for Burdeen’s Jewelry in the Chicago area. Hirsch MPG served as the project architect.

The new space at 11 E Walton features individual luxury brand spaces for Jaeger-LeCoultre, Roger Dubuis, and Piaget. Dunne Kozlowski served as the project architect.

Summit Design + Build Begins Phase 3 of Interior Alternations for Nonprofit, The Bloc

Summit Design + Build recently began interior alterations at The Bloc, a local Chicago non-profit.

The Bloc goes beyond being just a boxing club; it also provides training, tutoring, and mentorship to guide youth toward academic, social, and athletic achievements. By engaging young people who are often overlooked by traditional mentoring and tutoring programs, The Bloc plays a vital role in shaping a brighter future for Chicago. Since its establishment in 2016, this co-ed program has achieved a 100% high school graduation rate and college acceptance rate, supporting hundreds of young individuals in building a foundation for success.

Summit Design + Build has already completed two phases of renovations, including major upgrades to the building’s mechanical systems, a full kitchen renovation and other finishes of the space. The third phase of interior alterations is set to include:

• flooring upgrades,
• electrical repairs
• and the reconfiguration of restroom plumbing, fixtures, and layouts.

Future Firm is serving as the project architect.

Summit Design + Build Completes Tapestry Station in Evanston, IL

Summit Design + Build has announced the completion of a five-story, 120-unit mixed-use project known as Tapestry Station, located at 740 W Main Street in Evanston, Illinois.

Tapestry Station features 27 distinctive floor plans comprised of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, along with ground floor commercial space. Residents have access to luxury amenities such as an expansive rooftop deck, a fitness center, heated parking, and coworking space.

Located along Evanston’s Main St. corridor and on the former historical site of Vogue Fabrics, Tapestry Station is conveniently located next to a Metra line for easy transportation to and from downtown Chicago.

City Pads and Catapult Real Estate Group served as the project developers, and Built Form as the project architect.