Friedman Properties has completed a major reconstruction and expansion of the riverwalk at the historic Reid Murdoch Building in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, part of approximately $15 million in recent investment aimed at enhancing the landmark property and its riverfront experience.
The 300-foot riverwalk, which connects Clark Street to LaSalle Drive, has nearly doubled in width. Improvements include new precast piers, railings, lighting, integrated planters and improved river-level access for visitors arriving by boat. A series of 10-foot-tall double doors along the building’s south elevation also creates additional opportunities for outdoor dining while improving pedestrian circulation.
“Chicago’s Riverwalk has become one of the city’s signature assets because it creates a memorable destination along the water while connecting the downtown neighborhoods,” says Friedman Properties CEO and Chairman Albert Friedman. “These enhancements strengthen one of the primary gateways into River North, ensuring the arrival experience aligns with the vibrant neighborhood beyond.”
The riverwalk project coincides with upgrades to the building’s dining and entertainment offerings. Levy Restaurants recently completed renovations at River Roast, its 28,000-square-foot riverfront venue. The restaurant’s main event space, now branded RR Events, features a new riverside entrance with a curved grand staircase, dual-sided bars and upgrades to lighting, furniture, flooring and other guest-facing elements.
The renovation also introduced Corner Roast, a new coffee concept with a dedicated entrance.
Friedman Properties also signed a lease with The Carlyle Club, a new dining concept from Group LV Hospitality scheduled to open in September. The 8,200-square-foot restaurant will offer classic American fare and a curated drink menu with capacity for more than 250 guests across its main and private dining rooms, sushi bar and 62-seat cocktail bar.
The building’s growing mix of experiences also includes “Theater of the Mind,” an experiential installation co-created by musician and artist David Byrne that debuted in March.
Additional improvements completed over the past year have focused on the Reid Murdoch Building’s office environment. Friedman Properties renovated the lobby and added a 5,388-square-foot speculative office suite along with a fourth-floor lounge featuring a kitchen, flexible seating, conference rooms and a fitness center.
Originally constructed in 1914, the eight-story, 320,000-square-foot Reid Murdoch Building served as the office, warehouse and manufacturing facility for wholesale grocer Reid, Murdoch & Co. Friedman Properties acquired the property in 1998 and completed a full redevelopment in 2002.
The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated a Chicago landmark. Current office tenants include Whirlpool Corporation, Encyclopedia Britannica, Walton Isaacson and Priority Sports.
