By: Ashmar Mandou

Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Tuesday cut the ribbon to open River Point, a new 52-story office building at 444 W. Lake St. in the West Loop. Located at the convergence of the Chicago River’s north, south and main branches, the $500 million project includes a 1.1 million-square-foot office tower and 1.5-acre riverfront park space. “The City of Chicago has transformed a once inaccessible riverfront into the city’s next great recreational park and economic engine, catalyzing unprecedented private investment and creating thousands of jobs,” Mayor Emanuel said. “River Point is creating new waterfront space for the public to enjoy, a new place to work and dine, and a great new addition to Chicago’s beautiful skyline.”

The new building will be the site of a global forum on urban waterways on March 13, 2017, hosted by Mayor Emanuel and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. The conference will bring together 19 mayors from 12 countries spanning five continents, representing 45 million people for an international conversation about the future of urban waterways. River Point was built by development partners Ivanhoé Cambridge, Hines and Levy Family Partners. Designed by the architectural firm of Pickard Chilton, the curved-glass-walled structure features floor to ceiling windows, column-free floor plans, and a three-story lobby. River Point is LEED Gold pre-certified for its use of sustainable and efficient building features, including daylight views in over 90 percent of the buildings spaces, a storm water management system, increased ventilation, and a green roof. Building tenants include McDermott, Will & Emery LLP; DLA Piper LLP; Servcorp; Morton Salt; Water Street Healthcare Partners; Harrison Street Real Estate Capital LP; Gallup Inc.; and Levy Family Partners. Chicago-based Gibson’s Restaurant Group plans to open a restaurant in the building.