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
Airtightness in raised access plenum floors
New testing guidance from BSRIA out now.
Picking up the hard hat on site or not
Common factors preventing workers using head protection and how to solve them.
Building trust with customers through endorsed trades
Commitment to quality demonstrated through government endorsed scheme.
New guidance for preparing structural submissions for Gateways 2 and 3
Published by the The Institution of Structural Engineers.
CIOB launches global mental health survey
To address the silent mental health crisis in construction.
New categories in sustainability, health and safety, and emerging talent.
Key takeaways from the BSRIA Briefing 2024
Not just waiting for Net Zero, but driving it.
The ISO answer to what is a digital twin
Talking about digital twins in a more consistent manner.
Top tips and risks to look out for.
New Code of Practice for fire and escape door hardware
Published by GAI and DHF.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, retrofit measures and the roles involved.
New alliance will tackle skills shortage in greater Manchester
The pioneering Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance.
Drone data at the edge: three steps to better AI insights
Offering greater accuracy and quicker access to insights.
From fit-out to higher-risk buildings.
Heritage conservation in Calgary
The triple bottom line.