Looking north through River Point Plaza, with the Kinzie Street railroad bridge standing at attention on the right.
River Point, the 52-story office tower from Hines, is now open. That’s likely uncontrollably exciting to those of you who have or will have your new office at 444 West Lake Street in the West Loop, but it’s quite a spectacle for the rest of us, too.
I haven’t been inside yet (insert hopeful emoji here), but I took a stroll through River Point Plaza Thursday evening. The one-and-a-half-acre park, designed by landscape architect The Office of James Burnett, sits above the fork in the Chicago River, offering views to the east past the Merchandise Mart, and to the north toward the Kinzie Street railroad bridge. During construction of River Point, Hines promised us a spectacular public park at the foot of the tower. What Hines delivered is, in fact, a spectacular park at the foot of the tower. But don’t take my word for it. Take my photos that follow instead, then get yourselves over and see for yourself.
Kudos to everyone involved in the River Point project, including design architect Pickard Chilton, civil engineer Magnusson Klemencic Associates, and contractors Lendlease and Clark Construction. Magnificent work, all around!
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Looking east along the Chicago River, with the red-and-green-topped Merchandise Mart on the left.
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Paths and trees and lights on the River Point Plaza.
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Looking south across the plaza, with 150 North Riverside in the distance.
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More plaza, more Chicago River scenery.
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Wreaths and arch.
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The view of River Point from Wacker Drive.
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The north elevation, an angle I’ve been waiting to see.
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Looking up at corners.
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Humble beginnings. Seems like forever ago.
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This was a handsome child.
Building Up Chicago 