Sonoc's 20-story condominium building, which will include space for his new office, got a rare split vote from the plan commission Thursday. Not only was the recommendation less than the usual unanimous vote, the 230-unit project was endorsed by a 5-2 vote.

The problem, according to chairman and fellow architect Linda Searl as well as plan commission member John Nelson, is the 315-feet height and nearly 290,000 sf at the corner of Division and Halsted streets is out of character with the rest of the area, which includes the redevelopment of the former Cabrini-Green public housing project. "I know what we've put other developers through in River North," says Nelson, referring to give-and-take over plans for buildings in the neighborhood to the east. "This is an unusual pinnacle out on Division Street."

While Searl notes it may be difficult to persuade other developers to scale down their plans, Benet Haller of the department of planning and development reports plans are in the works for at least three more multifamily towers on parcels south and east of Sonoc's property, where he set up shop 12 years ago. Alderman Burton Natarus, whose 42nd Ward once included the site, believes more high rises are likely to be built along the east bank of the Chicago River, joining the former Montgomery Ward headquarters, which has been converted to condominiums.