Urban Innovations led a mixed-use redevelopment in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, one of three buildings in the Verso River North development, with a vision of expanding leasable space while blending historic character in a modern workplace environment.
New – 40,908 SF (3,800 SM)
Total – 98,806 SF (9,179 SM)
Challenge
Meeting demand for larger floor plates and flexible growth within a constrained urban site required rethinking both the scale and performance of the existing building. At the same time, the design needed to preserve the desirable character of the timber loft while introducing a contemporary identity.
Solution
As Lead Architect, we delivered a combined renovation and addition, including a new six-story steel-framed structure alongside the upgraded 58,000-square-foot timber building. Floor plates were expanded to support tenant flexibility, while floor-to-ceiling glazing and a refined material palette balance historic and modern elements. An amenity level with a rooftop deck and ground-floor retail enhance tenant experience and community connection.
Outcome
The redevelopment preserves the distinctive, historical character of River North while ushering in a new era of design for an office complex, advancing North Wells Capital’s vision for revitalization. By expanding capacity and amenities, the project supports tenant attraction and retention while contributing to the ongoing evolution of Chicago’s innovation district.
Historic brick construction provides a backdrop for the reimagined lobby
The redevelopment introduces larger, more flexible workplace environments
The amenity level combines lounge seating, work areas, and direct rooftop access
A new addition doubled the building’s floor plate size while preserving its historic brick-and-timber character, expanding workplace options in River North.
Photo Credit: ARCO/Murray©
Urban Innovations led a planned mixed-use redevelopment in the Chicago, IL River North neighborhood, one of three buildings in Verso River North. The goal was to make a calculated investment in an existing heavy timber building in a thriving business district to meet the evolving needs of commercial tenants. While the aesthetic and location were very desirable, tenants were seeking larger floor plates and room for expansion. The design vision was to double the floor plate size and leasable space, blending the existing brick and timber loft with a modern vibe.
As Lead Architect, the collaborative design solution resulted in the creation of a 48,000 square-foot, 6 story steel frame and masonry exterior addition, with floor-to-ceiling windows, in combination with an extensive renovation of the existing 58,000 square-foot, 7-story timber building, harmonizing historic with urban. Office floor plates were expanded up to 14,800 square feet on levels 1 – 6 providing tenants with more flexible options. A common amenity level was designed on the sixth -floor addition to provide desirable health and well-being spaces including a roof deck. Retail at ground level will serve tenants, visitors and the community.
The redevelopment preserves the traditional brick and timber construction, ushering in a new era of design for an office complex in River North with a view to help tenants attract and retain talented workers, while offering an ideal size for growth-oriented companies looking for a presence and visibility at the center of Chicago’s innovation community. This was the first of two projects in collaboration with North Wells Capital for the planned redevelopment in River North; the second project is 311 W Huron, a new 15-story ground up Class A office tower that brings another unique product to market.
Photo Credit: ARCO/Murray©
