Friedman Properties and the city of Chicago have reached final approvals for a public private/partnership to develop a new, 674,000-square-foot tower at 444 N. Dearborn Street. Named Rivere, Cushman & Wakefield and A.R.C Real Estate Group will market the office and retail components, respectively, of the mixed-use project.
The property is currently a two-story fire station housing Engine Company 42, which would still be located at the site. Under a deal first outlined in July 2018, a DLR Group-designed fire station would be built first on an existing surface lot west of the facility so that emergency services remain functioning. Once this phase is completed, the existing station would be demolished, with the glass and aluminum tower—designed by Goettsch Partners—going up on its footprint and above the new station.
With an articulated glass facade punctuated by uniquely carved-out terraces, the tower will stand out on the skyline and comprise 620,000 square feet of office space. The building will feature near column-free, 45-foot to 58-foot lease spans and 26,000-square-foot floor plates. Emphasis will be placed on sustainable features such as highly efficient mechanical systems that will mitigate water and energy waste, a high-performance glass curtain wall and vegetated rooftops that reduce the urban heat island while doubling as tranquil outdoor sanctuaries. At its base, an activated lobby featuring a coffee bar, restaurants and communal living-style spaces will invite social interaction, business networking, group collaboration and personal recharging.
Amenities will include concierge service, meditation space, on-demand meeting space, a fitness and wellness center, secure bike room with shower facilities, on-site valet, below-grade garage parking and a multi-layered restaurant and retail experience curated by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. Rivere will also include an intelligent building system activated through a mobile application facilitating building, space and parking access, conference room and fitness class booking, restaurant reservations, guest registration, temperature and lighting controls and food service delivery, among other benefits.
Jack McKinney, Jr., Matt Lerner and Mark Gunderson of Cushman & Wakefield will market the office tower. Anthony Campagni, Elan Rasansky and Cooper Annenberg of A.R.C Real Estate Group will market the retail spaces.
