Legal Sea Foods

Legal Sea Foods, a celebrated New England restaurant brand, has expanded its footprint with a new flagship restaurant located at Marina City in Chicago. The client’s vision was to transform a coveted space underneath the iconic “Corn Cob” towers into an immersive New England-style dining experience, capitalizing on the sweeping riverfront views. The two-level restaurant includes a 240-seat river-level area with a bar, main dining room, private event spaces and outdoor terraces. An intimate upper-level Oyster Bar at the base of the west tower provides additional seating for 30 guests, creating a multifaceted dining environment.

As the Architect of Record, NORR collaborated closely with the Design Architects to bring the project to life. The design inspiration melded the building’s signature curves with modern, bright eastern seaboard aesthetics, creating a seamless and immersive experience. NORR’s integrated approach ensured that all elements of the project, from design integrity to architectural infrastructure, were meticulously planned and executed.

The main level of the restaurant is connected to the Oyster Bar by a grand staircase, a technically challenging feat given the building’s 1960s architecture and the need to make new openings in the existing concrete structure. The main level also features an outdoor dining area, enhancing the overall experience with a direct connection to the Chicago River.

The successful completion of this flagship location has notably enhanced Chicago’s dining scene, offering a unique New England charm and seafood dishes that appeal to both locals and tourists. The restaurant not only stands out as a premier dining destination but also contributes to the vibrancy of the Chicago Riverwalk. This project exemplifies a successful collaboration among NORR, PPX Hospitality Brands, Stys Hospitality Initiative, Phase Zero Design and other project partners. It showcases how a distinctive and memorable dining experience can be achieved in a highly competitive market while fostering a sense of community and connection to the city’s natural assets.