Over the last several months since our last update, progress at the site of Ivonhoé Cambridge, The Levy Organization, and Hines' 50-storey River Point has been moving along nicely. The handsome 244-metre glass tower is now sitting pretty along the Chicago River in the heart of downtown Chicago.

River Point, nearing completion on the Chicago River, image by Forum contributor harryc

Designed by Pickard Chilton and Kendall/Heaton Associates, the majority of the exterior has now received its blue-tinted glass curtain wall. From a distance the tower appears finished, complete with its signature curved detailing at the top and bottom, which serve to set it apart in a city known for its architecture. 

River Point by night, image by Forum contributor harryc

Seen below, the riverside entrance to the tower will be met by a new 1.5-acre public park, landscaped using a mixture of native plants and trees thanks to the efforts of landscape architect The Office of James Burnett.

Native vegetation in place along the Chicago River, image by Forum contributor harryc

Further up the embankment, the full scope of the upcoming public plaza can be appreciated. The photo below displays the new development's commitment to riverside beautification efforts, similar to those seen on the other side of the river. 

Beautification efforts underway, image by Forum contributor harryc

Like many buildings along the Chicago River, the project is built atop an active railyard. As the city is well served by both heavy rail and rapid transit, the citywide effort to cover and conceal active rail lines can be considered a model for other similar-sized cities across North America. 

River Point's archway will be a highly visible part of the tower's design, image by Forum contributor harryc

Above, the full effect of the public space can be seen in the context of the massive, eight-storey archway that will greet residents, visitors, and passersby alike. Reminiscent of the St. Louis Gateway Arch, the prominent feature is repeated in the inverse at the top of the tower, albeit not as sharply, as seen below. 

Upside down arch atop the River Point tower, image by Forum contributor harryc

Once complete in 2017, River Point will introduce 98,000 square metres of Class A, LEED Gold standard office space to downtown Chicago.

SkyriseCities will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.