200 South Wacker Drive, a 40-story, Harry Weese-designed Class A office tower overlooking the Chicago River, is undergoing a transformative $25 – $30 million redevelopment that positions the building at the forefront of downtown Chicago’s reinvention of office space.
Owned and led by Chicago-based Glenstar in partnership with private investor Patrick Halloran, this comprehensive modernization harnesses the tower’s architectural strengths—exceptional river views, abundant natural light, and a prime downtown location—to redefine tenant experience for the evolving workplace.
At the heart of the redevelopment is a hospitality-driven amenity strategy that spans multiple floors and functions “like a club” rather than a traditional office building. The renovation reimagines the three-story atrium lobby, enhancing transparency and connection to the river with warm materials, dramatic lighting, and an open, sculptural staircase that visually and physically links the lobby with amenity levels above and below.
The interior amenity sequence unfolds vertically across five levels, offering a curated mix of work-life-balanced environments:
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A riverfront lounge and full-service bar that opens to an expanded outdoor patio cantilevered over the Riverwalk
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A tenant lounge with fireplaces and varied social spaces
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Entertainment-oriented spaces such as a parlor gaming area, enclosed library, and listening lounge
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A golf club featuring simulators and club-style seating that supports both leisure and networking
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A full-floor wellness club overlooking the Chicago River with spa-inspired locker rooms, infrared saunas, cold plunge, and dedicated fitness zones.
Above these shared amenity spaces, the 34th floor is being reinvented as a premier conference center, complete with breakout areas, executive suites and direct access to rooftop views of the river and skyline.
Complementing the experiential spaces, Glenstar is delivering flexible, move-in-ready spec suites totaling over 50,000 sq ft, from large full-floor options to smaller customizable spaces, to meet tenant demand for agility and speed to occupancy.
Beyond interior enhancements, the project improves approach and arrival with upgraded landscaping, pavers, and outdoor spaces that reinforce the building’s connection to the riverfront and the broader West Loop and Loop neighborhoods.
This redevelopment is more than a renovation—it’s a strategic repositioning that responds to heightened vacancy pressures in Chicago’s office market by elevating quality, amenities, and tenant experience, while showcasing confidence in the city’s downtown future.
Renderings by Lewis Garrison
