Chicago, Illinois, USA

The 60-story Wolf Point East luxury apartment tower in Chicago represents the second phase of the overall Wolf Point Master Plan, a three-phase development designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli located on one of the last remaining riverfront sites in Downtown Chicago.

Wolf Point East offers permanent, protected views down the south and east legs of the Chicago River, refined unit layouts and interior design schemes and a market-leading mix of indoor amenities and dedicated outdoor spaces. The site offers immediate access to the Chicago River Walk and easy access to multiple transit options.

“Our goal at Wolf Point has always been to create long-term value for Chicago and its residents. Wolf Point East furthers our investment in the City and contributes to the evolution of one of its most exciting amenities: the river,” comments Chris Kennedy.

Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects was first tasked as Master Planners of a 2-million-square-foot, multiuse project. Conceived as a development to revitalize a historically significant site in Chicago, the site will comprise three towers, a 2.3-acre public park, and a 1,000-foot-long river walk. The Wolf Point redevelopment is importantly branded and identified with the revitalization of the neighborhood.

Oriented east-west, the rectangular massing of the building is articulated by several upper-level setbacks. Balancing solidity and transparency, the curtain walls incorporate glass, metal, and stone. Glass-enclosed lobbies that expand 90 feet will connect the building to its green surroundings. The ground floor’s area is less than half that of the upper levels, allowing the building to “touch the ground lightly” as the landscape flows under and wraps around the base.

As the high-rise anchor of the complex, the building’s stepped form is classic and iconic against the
urban skyline.

Oriented north-south, the rectangular massing and curtain wall articulation shares similarities with the East Tower, as does the treatment of the lower amenity levels. Facing the convergence of the Chicago River, the South Tower’s base steps down to engage the riverfront and with an urban scaled public plaza at the Riverwalk.

Glass-enclosed lobbies that expand 90 feet will connect the building to its green surroundings. The ground floor’s area is less than half that of the upper levels, allowing the building to “touch the ground lightly” as the landscape flows under and wraps around the base.

As the high-rise anchor of the complex, the building’s stepped form is classic and iconic against the urban skyline.

Oriented north-south, the rectangular massing and curtain wall articulation shares similarities with the East Tower, as does the treatment of the lower amenity levels. Facing the convergence of the Chicago River, the South Tower’s base steps down to engage the river front and with an urban scaled public plaza at the Riverwalk.

Recalling the site’s history as a 19th century trading post and the ships that once docked there, the tower’s contoured exterior walls are shell-like enclosures reminiscent of a set of sails. These stepped and faceted enclosures taper at the top and bottom of the building.

The 2.3-acre public park, planted with native trees, flowers and grasses, will include gardens and stepped lawns for seating. Below the park, a four-level parking garage is hidden from view.

Hines Senior Managing Director Jim Walsh adds, “We continue to see intense demand for high-quality spaces in which to live, work and play along the Chicago River and we believe that Wolf Point East is well-positioned to satisfy the demands of Chicago’s sophisticated downtown residents.”

Architects: Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
Architects of Record: Pappageorge Haymes Partners
Developer: Hines
Clients: Wolf Point Owners and AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust