A joint venture of Lendlease and CMK Companies, Ltd., has broken ground on Riverline, a new development in downtown Chicago that plans to bring more than 3,600 multifamily units to the area.
The modern riverfront community will bring a mix of high-rise condominiums, rental apartments, and townhomes. Riverline combines world-class architecture with a connection to the environment and surrounding community, resulting in a one-of-a-kind neighborhood, according to Colin Kihnke, President of CMK Companies, Ltd.
“This project represents not just a major investment – but a major vote of confidence – in the future of Chicago,” Mayor Emanuel said. “Throughout Chicago’s history, our rivers have strengthened our city’s industries. Today, our rivers can strengthen our city’s communities. That’s what this project is about.”
The Riverline master-planned community, designed by Perkins + Will with landscape architects Hoerr Schaudt, covers most of the area bound by Harrison Street, the Chicago River, Roosevelt Road and Wells Street.
Riverline does not include a vacant parcel of land on the immediate southwest corner of Harrison Street and Wells Street, and the River City condominium building. Buildings A through E are located north of Polk Street. Building F will be south of River City. Building G will be built between Taylor Street and Roosevelt Road.
Phase 1 Development will consist of three buildings, whose names are drawn from a rich body of references to the river, navigation, bridges, Chicago river history, Riverline architecture, flora and fauna within the wetlands, and more.
In addition to the multifamily buildings, Phase 1 will include a 3.5-acre green space and the Riverwalk along the entirety of the property.
A look at the buildings
As one of the first buildings to open in Riverline, Ancora will serve as the foundation for the development. As a rental building, Ancora will appeal to a younger demographic on the cusp of homeownership. Offering cutting edge amenities such as a rooftop amenity deck, clubroom, demo kitchen for small events, a jam room and screening room, Ancora brings the latest in design and technology offering to the masses.
Ancora is a proposed 29-story, 420 unit rental apartment that will have 24 townhomes and skyhomes on the first five floors and the apartment units on the 7th to 29th floors. The 6th floor will be the amenity floor. Garage parking will be on the 2nd to the 5th floors.
Current is a proposed 18-story, 251 unit condominium building that will include 28 townhomes and skyhomes on the first five floors and condominium units on the 7th to 18th floors. The 6th floor will be the amenity floor. Garage parking will be on the 2nd and 5th floors.
The name “Current” was selected based off an understanding of the target market, but also references the building’s cutting edge architecture and technology, as well as amenities and best-in-class finishes. As a condo building, Current will appeal to younger professionals seeking a high-amenity urban experience.
Watershed will consist of nine three-story townhouse buildings immediately south of the Current building. There will be three buildings along the Chicago River to be called Riverhomes. There will be six townhouse buildings off of Wells street, each to contain six, seven or eight townhomes. They will contain a total of 62 townhome and riverhome residences.
