Completed in 2024, the $75 million redevelopment of 10 & 120 S. Riverside Plaza marked a significant transformation of these iconic West Loop properties along the Chicago Riverwalk. Originally designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), 10 S. Riverside Plaza was constructed in 1965, followed by 120 S. Riverside Plaza in 1967. The recent renovation, led by architecture firm SCB, reimagined the buildings with a modernized and expanded lobby, shifting primary access from a mid-block entry to prominent entrances on Monroe Street. The overhaul also introduced a redesigned public plaza, creating a welcoming, park-like atmosphere, along with a suite of premium amenities—all contributing to the vibrant and evolving character of the surrounding neighborhood. Set along the iconic Chicago Riverwalk, 10 & 120 S. Riverside Plaza offer a striking visual anchor in the city’s West Loop.
As part of the comprehensive redevelopment of 10 & 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Sentech Architectural Systems executed an extensive façade scope, featuring four structural glass walls and vestibules across both buildings, totaling almost 12,000 sf. The project incorporated two of Sentech’s advanced proprietary systems: the VetraFin-T toggle system and the VetraSpan Clear Span system. Both buildings utilize a 28-ft tall VetraFin-T wall system that contains factory-applied toggle cassettes on each glass façade panel, which are then attached to vertically oriented AESS (Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel) carbon steel fins via stainless-steel toggles. Perimeter glazing channels were employed at the head, sill, and jamb conditions. This innovative system allows for efficient on-site installation and provides a clean, minimalist aesthetic—featuring sleek lines, minimal visible connections, and no exterior hardware, bolts, or plates. It is compatible with monolithic, laminated, and insulated glass, and offers significant design flexibility in terms of finishes and performance.
The 16-ft tall VetraSpan systems further enhance the buildings’ modern appeal by enabling glass panels to span entire openings—from sill to head—without any vertical support members. This system eliminates all visual impediments such as exposed connections or hardware, joining panes only at vertical glass-to-glass joints. It is particularly suited for jumbo glass applications, maximizing daylight, transparency, and views. In addition to vertical facades, Sentech’s VetraSpan system can be used in overhead and floor installations, is adaptable for blast and bullet-resistant applications and is fully compatible with insulated glass featuring soft coatings, supporting high-performance thermal and environmental specifications.
These façade upgrades align with a growing trend in Chicago’s commercial real estate sector: the strategic revitalization of legacy buildings to remain competitive in attracting tenants looking for an elevated experience. The integration of cutting-edge design systems and sustainable features positions 10 & 120 S. Riverside Plaza at the forefront of this transformation, offering a contemporary, high-performance environment in one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods. This scenic, urban corridor provides a dynamic connection to the river and serves as a backdrop where Chicago’s renowned architectural legacy can be appreciated as thousands of Chicagoans pass by or look up daily at the distinctive, twin towers—testaments to both the city’s history and its evolving future. With their recent transformation, these buildings continue to play a pivotal role in redefining the modern workplace experience in one of the country’s most vibrant downtowns.
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Credits
Architect: Solomon Cordwell Buenz
Glazing Contractor: Glass Solutions
General Contractor: Gilbane
Photo Credit: Brian Kitts Photography
