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
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.