150 Riverside Plaza
150 North Riverside Plaza opened for occupancy earlier this year. It sits above the Amtrak rail lines feeding into Chicago's Union Station. The building is a visual delight, perched on single leg, with the east and west sides moving out on the diagonal, and then jutting straight up. Will it tip?
The view standing in the atrium looking south is lovely, offering a palette of translucent blue and cyan, as the building's tinted windows interact with the rich blue sky. Immediately to the south is Boeing's headquarters. Looking toward the east, Willis Tower and the Lyric Opera building are visible.
On the east side of the interior, dark emerald glass planes rise along the wall toward the ceiling, creating a cool envelope. The public walkway and garden to the west of the building are selected in those planes.
The establishments serving food seem to be the only thing that hasn't opened yet. On the north side of the atrium there will be a Starbucks on a second level. A sign reads, "Opening Soon." As you exit the atrium to the south, there will be an outpost of Au Cheval on the left. Apparently it is known for its cheeseburgers, assuming the owners deploy the same concept at this location. On the left, there will be a branch of Hannah's Bretzel, which offers sandwiches, salads, and some good looking cookies. Until those open, visitors and tenants will just have to enjoy the geometry of glass, steel, gardens, and urban landscapes.
