On the west bank at the fork of the Chicago River, the construction of Ivanhoé Cambridge, The Levy Organization and Hines' 50-storey River Point development is approaching another milestone. Indeed, since we last covered the progress made at 444 West Lake Street, the concrete core of this Pickard Chilton and Kendall / Heaton Associates-designed structure has risen by 15 storeys. The tower is now close to its final height of 223 metres. 

River Point about to top off, image by harryc

As seen in a photo update posted on our Chicago Forum, the office building is steadily taking shape and the steel skeleton forming the floor plates is in its final race towards completion. In the picture below, we can see that the tower's distinctive upper arch is being assembled, with the first curved beam already in place on the 47th floor. 

The upper arch is now taking shape, image by harryc

At ground level, work is still underway to seal off the eastern lobby, marked by an eight-storey arch. The space will eventually open on a new 1.5-acre public park and riverfront plaza, built atop an active rail yard. Acting as a link towards the adjacent Chicago River, it will include native plants and trees thanks to landscape architect The Office of James Burnett. 

Work is still underway at ground level, image by harryc

Completion for the tower is expected in 2017, at which point 98,000 square metres of class A office space will be added to the bustling area. Until this pre-certified LEED Gold office tower welcomes its first tenants, more information and renderings are available in the dedicated Database file. You can also share your comments and updates about this project in the corresponding forum thread.