325 N LaSalle

Located in the heart of Chicago’s River North, the Reid Murdoch Building is an iconic, seven-story landmark with a distinctive clocktower—a former grocery warehouse set along the riverfront. When Friedman Properties decided to reposition the ground floor lobby and add an amenity suite on the fourth floor, the vision was to modernize the building’s function and feel while honoring its industrial heritage. As the interior design partner and a long-time tenant, NORR also undertook a major transformation of its own office on the fifth floor—downsizing in place by 40% to create a more efficient, hospitality-informed workplace aligned with flexible working styles. The team brought interior design leadership to both scopes of work, drawing on their knowledge of adaptive reuse, workplace and hospitality design.

For the lobby, the concept blends contemporary function with industrial character—black steel panels, exposed brick, faux i-beams, and a mural of the historic lion trademark pay homage to the building’s legacy. Marble reception finishes, bronze detailing and layered lighting create a more welcoming arrival. The new tenant amenity suite extends this cohesive approach with reclaimed wood, exposed piping and bold graphic murals. It includes a fitness center, lounge with a mix of seating types, rentable meeting rooms, communal kitchen, game zones and library wall—all designed to support tenant engagement, wellness and community building.

For NORR’s Chicago office, the redesign supports both functional and cultural shifts. A variety of spaces—high-top tables, lounge seating, a relocated library, updated conferencing, reservable pods and a wellness room—support diverse work modes and personal needs. Seamless, cloud-based systems and untethered access enable greater mobility and collaboration. A warm, textured palette and references to the Chicago River bring depth and local character to the experience.

The project had a multi-layered impact for both clients. For the building owner, the new lobby and amenities add value to the property while supporting and attracting tenants. For NORR, the redesign reflects a deliberate shift in how and where work happens, aligning with corporate goals to reduce carbon footprint and increase workplace flexibility. Reclaimed materials, space optimization and digital infrastructure reflect a commitment to more sustainable, connected ways of working—all within one of Chicago’s most enduring historic buildings.