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©
