After sitting vacant for many years, the Old Chicago Post Office building was redeveloped into a vibrant mixed-use hub of office and retail space. This historic 2.5 million square foot building sits at the gateway to Chicago – literally straddling Ida B. Wells Drive – on the southwest edge of Downtown Chicago.
Although this local landmark was highly visible, it felt isolated due to poor connections and no amenity space to attract visitors, despite fronting the Chicago River. While Gensler led the upgrades to the building itself, site provided landscape architecture and urban design services for the new riverwalk, streetscape, and site improvements. The landscape now knits into the surrounding area and introduces green space where there had been none.
Riverwalk and open space amenities include an entry court, lawn, amphitheater, and multi-purpose seating areas that serve as outdoor dining and gathering spaces for building workers and visitors to the indoor food hall. Raised planters on the deck contain lush, four-season plantings that provide interest throughout the year.
Streetscape improvements along Van Buren Street and Harrison Street, and a new entrance along Canal Street contribute to a welcoming and functional street interface, befitting a next-generation workplace.
