These 4 Buildings are the Future of Chicago's Riverwalk
Chicago’s $100M Riverwalk extension isn’t the only high-profile project happening down by the river. By 2019, four buildings totaling $3B will add over 900 luxury apartments and condos, 2.2M SF in office space, and five acres of parkland, riverwalk and pedestrian areas.
Where: 150 N Riverside Plaza
Developer: Riverside Investment & Development
Designer: Goettsch Partners
Cost: $490M
Completion: Late 2016
Why it's huge: This 54-story, 1.2m SF office tower will occupy only 25% of its two-acre site when completed. The rest will become a public park, riverwalk space and amphitheater. Big-name tenants such as Hyatt and law firm Polsinelli have signed leases to move to this supertall.
Where: 444 W Lake St
Developer: Hines Interests, The Levy Organization, Ivanhoé Cambridge
Cost: $500M
Architect: Pickard Chilton
Completion: 2016
Why it’s huge: River Point’s 52 stories and 1.05M SF are attractions, but so are the downtown views and what is expected to be the largest riverside plaza in the city. Native plants and a botanical garden will allow office workers and others to enjoy a lazy day by the river.
Where: 350 W Mart Drive
Developer: Wolf Point Owners, led by Chris Kennedy
Cost: $1B
Architect: bKL
Completion: Late 2016
Why it’s huge: This development features three towers, including a 50-story west tower with 510 luxury rental units. The project also features 100k SF of parkland and connects to the Riverwalk. It’s all being funded without TIFs or incentives.
Where: 381-383 E Wacker Dr
Developer: Wanda Group, Magellan Development
Cost: $1B
Architect: Jeanne Gang
Expected completion date: 2019
Why it’s huge: This could become Chicago's third-tallest skyscraper if the city approves its proposed 1,144-foot height. The dead end along East Wacker would be extended with a new public plaza, while a pedestrian link would connect the Riverwalk with the park at Lakeshore East.
