West Town New Construction
Ground-up single-family home in West Town, Chicago — custom new construction delivering 3,200 SF of modern living on an existing infill lot. 32 Build managed the full process from permit to certificate of occupancy.
The site was 25 feet wide and shared a property line on the east — which meant demolition, excavation, and foundation work couldn't follow a standard sequence. Required setbacks on all four sides constrained the buildable envelope from day one, and every early structural decision had downstream effects on the layout.
Material staging, dumpster placement, and crew access all had to be coordinated around a lot that offered very little margin for error.
Our approach to this project focused on maximizing the lot, simplifying the design language, and delivering a home that felt sleek, modern, and intentional from top to bottom. Because the site had limited layout options, every decision had to work harder both functionally and visually.
On the exterior, we chose standing seam panels instead of traditional siding to create a cleaner, sharper, and more contemporary appearance. Inside the home, we continued that same direction by using modern interior finishes with minimal detailing, allowing the materials, lines, and proportions to stand out without unnecessary ornament. The result was a home that feels polished, current, and well executed throughout.
The scope of work for this West Town new construction home included key phases of the project from the challenging early site work through the high-end interior and architectural finish details that define the final result. Some of the standout features of the home include a rooftop deck, Italian cabinetry, full-height slotted white oak stair balusters, polished concrete basement floors, and heated floors in the basement. Each element was selected to support the overall modern design vision while also adding comfort, functionality, and long-term durability to the home.
The completed home makes the most of 3,200 SF on a tight city lot. Open floor plan on the main level, clean exterior lines, and every room proportion sized to feel larger than the footprint suggests. It sold $80K over asking.
West Town infill lots run narrow — 25 feet is the norm, and Chicago setback requirements are unforgiving. Projects here require Chicago DOB permits, careful coordination around neighboring structures, and planning that accounts for limited staging room from day one. The lot constraints on this project were typical for the neighborhood; the execution had to be better than typical.
Residential Project
FAQ
The most common questions we get before starting a residential project — answered straight.
Still have questions? Let's talkA full gut rehab typically takes 5–9 months depending on scope, structural work, and permit timelines. Chicago Department of Buildings permit lead times vary — we factor that into your schedule from day one and manage the entire process. New construction on an infill lot typically runs 10–14 months.
Next Step
Ready to Discuss
Your Project?
Tell us about your project and goals. We'll assess the scope, provide honest feedback, and recommend the right approach.