Legal Sea Foods expanded its footprint with a flagship restaurant at Chicago’s Marina City, transforming a space beneath the iconic “Corn Cob” towers into an immersive New England-inspired dining destination with sweeping riverfront views.
Challenge
The project required transforming a prominent space beneath Marina City’s iconic towers into a flagship restaurant while working within the constraints of the existing 1960s concrete structure. The design also needed to capitalize on riverfront views and connect multiple dining venues into a cohesive guest experience.
Solution
Working with PPX Hospitality Brands, Stys Hospitality Initiative, and Phase Zero Design, our design melds Marina City’s signature curves with bright eastern seaboard aesthetics to create an immersive dining experience. The two-level restaurant includes a river-level dining area with a bar, private event spaces, and outdoor terraces, while an intimate upper-level Oyster Bar is connected by a grand staircase inserted within the existing concrete structure.
Outcome
The completed flagship restaurant offers a distinctive New England-inspired dining experience within one of Chicago’s most recognizable architectural landmarks. Its connection to the Chicago River and Riverwalk contributes to waterfront vibrancy while reinforcing Marina City’s role as a destination for residents and visitors.
The flagship restaurant includes a 240-seat main dining room, private event spaces, outdoor terraces, and a 30-seat Oyster Bar overlooking the Chicago River.
A direct connection to the Chicago River enhances the dining experience and strengthens the restaurant’s relationship to the Riverwalk.
The main level of the restaurant is connected to the Oyster Bar by a grand staircase
Legal Sea Foods, a celebrated New England restaurant brand, has expanded its footprint with a new flagship restaurant located at Marina City in Chicago. The client’s vision was to transform a coveted space underneath the iconic “Corn Cob” towers into an immersive New England-style dining experience, capitalizing on the sweeping riverfront views. The two-level restaurant includes a 240-seat river-level area with a bar, main dining room, private event spaces and outdoor terraces. An intimate upper-level Oyster Bar at the base of the west tower provides additional seating for 30 guests, creating a multifaceted dining environment.
As the Architect of Record, NORR collaborated closely with the Design Architects to bring the project to life. The design inspiration melded the building’s signature curves with modern, bright eastern seaboard aesthetics, creating a seamless and immersive experience. NORR’s integrated approach ensured that all elements of the project, from design integrity to architectural infrastructure, were meticulously planned and executed.
The main level of the restaurant is connected to the Oyster Bar by a grand staircase, a technically challenging feat given the building’s 1960s architecture and the need to make new openings in the existing concrete structure. The main level also features an outdoor dining area, enhancing the overall experience with a direct connection to the Chicago River.
The successful completion of this flagship location has notably enhanced Chicago’s dining scene, offering a unique New England charm and seafood dishes that appeal to both locals and tourists. The restaurant not only stands out as a premier dining destination but also contributes to the vibrancy of the Chicago Riverwalk. This project exemplifies a successful collaboration among NORR, PPX Hospitality Brands, Stys Hospitality Initiative, Phase Zero Design and other project partners. It showcases how a distinctive and memorable dining experience can be achieved in a highly competitive market while fostering a sense of community and connection to the city’s natural assets.
