A strange new element has appeared at a familiar bend of the Chicago River, a forerunner of more dramatic changes to come. In preparation for the construction of a 45-story office tower at the site known as River Point, a tunnel is being built to enclose the train tracks on the river’s west bank.
From an eastern vantage, the white tunnel looks like a retaining wall, or (thanks to its circular portholes) a terrace with a nautical theme.
When the tunnel is finished, a skyscraper will be built on top of it, modernizing a part of the cityscape that, for decades, has seen little change. The familiar old buildings and smokestack that I see on my commute every day will be hidden from view.
Eventually, a 1.5-acre public park will be created around River Point’s base. The park will integrate the tower with the river and make this part of the riverwalk more pedestrian-friendly. Still, the overall impact of the change is hard to envision. A very large building at this location is going to block off what has been a relatively open and agreeable urban vista.
River Point is just one of two massive neighboring developments underway. River Point is being built on land owned by Larry Levy. Just to its north is a triangle of land known as Wolf Point, which is owned by the Kennedy family and which the Kennedys are also intent on developing. They plan to build three towers on their land, which is the small scraggly patch of land at right just beyond the bridge in this bottom picture (click to enlarge):
See this extensive article by indefatigable architecture blogger Lyn Becker to learn more about Wolf Point, River Point, and what the river might look like once all four towers are built and the river has been “developed” to within an inch of its life.
harley says
Gee, you sure did some great research to write about what is going to occur around that bend in the river. Those sound like very, very ambitious plans. . . . When I was young (ahh, so many years ago now), the banks along the river were empty and quiet. Very little development. . . . Wolf Point: that rings a bell and I never knew that the Kennedy family owned it! Probably part of the acquisition of the Merchandise Mart which I think they still own.
Celia says
Right you are, Harley. The Kennedys have owned Wolf Point since the forties. Chris Kennedy is the active family member now. I guess they are also the owners of the “Apparel Mart,” which I believe is the very ugly brown building (shown in the picture) that now houses the Chicago Sun-Times.