150 North Riverside
In April 2017, a striking new commercial tower was completed in Chicago. 150 North Riverside is situated on a prominent waterfront site in the city’s West Loop.
The tower is remarkable for the way its 54-storeys are built on a base just 17 m wide, with the floors cantilevering out from the central core. It is also the first time Grade 70 steel has been used in the USA.
The design solution, by Goettsch Partners, was necessary as the tower is next to active train tracks to the west and the Chicago River to the east. The core-supported structure has a 20:1 height-to-base ratio, which allowed the incorporation of a public park with circulation routes, outdoor seating and an amphitheatre with views over the river. The tower’s first ‘full’ floor is on level 8, 30 m (100 ft) above the plaza.
Vertical mullions along the tower’s east and west facades create a pattern of light and shadow that changes throughout the day. The north and south facades are divided into three vertical planes, stepped forward and back to provide outdoor terraces and to accentuate the tower’s slenderness.
The tower was designed to achieve, and has been pre-certified as LEED Gold, with ample natural light and open spaces, and an extensive green roof. It has also been certified Wired Platinum for its telecommunications infrastructure.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Mayor of Chicago said:
“Today 150 North Riverside officially takes its place as the newest jewel in Chicago’s architectural landscape. But even more, this tower pushes Chicago’s architectural legacy into the 21st century by making an unmistakable addition to our skyline while building a new connection to our urban riverfront.”
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.