Project Update: Emmanual Congregation Campus Redevelopment
Project Update: Emanuel Congregation Campus Redevelopment (Edgewater)
A recent Chicago Sun-Times article outlines the latest concept for a major redevelopment of Emanuel Congregation’s lakefront campus at
5959 N. Sheridan Road in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. The proposal, led by developer Fern Hill with Eckenhoff Saunders as the lead
architectural design firm, would replace the existing synagogue with a mixed-use plan that combines a new home for the congregation with
new housing and street-level activity.
What’s being proposed
- A 12-story, U-shaped building that would integrate the new Emanuel Congregation worship spaces with apartments, parking, and
ground-level commercial space. - A second, five-story building on the west side of Sheridan Road that would also include apartments plus event and classroom space.
- Together, the two buildings are proposed to have about 400 apartments, including 80 affordable units under Chicago’s Affordable
Requirements Ordinance.
Design and site notes
- A new circular motor court to improve pickup and drop-off operations and overall site circulation.
- The retail component is envisioned as a potential café or synagogue-adjacent use, positioned to take advantage of lake views.
- The synagogue program would include a worship space plus supporting functions such as social halls and offices, with a balcony
overlooking Lake Michigan.
Process and next steps
The proposal is still evolving based on congregational and community feedback, with questions raised around traffic, security, and
overall density. The 48th Ward alderperson’s office is expected to host a community meeting in February to gather additional input.
If approvals move forward, a phased construction approach would begin with the west-side building, which would serve as a temporary
synagogue during construction of the larger tower.