Overview
The tallest and final phase of an iconic 3-tower Wolf Point masterplan designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners, Salesforce Tower rises 57 stories and 850-feet into the northwest corner of the Chicago legendary skyline. Located at 333 Wolf Point Plaza, the skyscraper sits in Chicago’s River North neighborhood at the intersection of the north and south branches of the Chicago River, and offers 1.2 million square feet of trophy office space. It serves as the regional headquarters for software company Salesforce, who occupy half a million square feet of the tower- just over a third of the building’s 1.4 million square feet.
Salesforce Tower’s design and location were carefully selected, and not only maximize convenience but encourage connection- geographically, between tenants, employees and the community. The tower’s design was intended for the post-pandemic workforce- geared for collaboration, flexibility, neurodiversity and sustainability. The selection of a Sentech-supplied all-glass structural façade at the base was in perfect harmony with the design intent. Allowing for natural light and a feeling of solidity, openness and transparency, the façade connects the structure to expansive waterfront views and a scenic surrounding park setting. It opens the lobby up to visitors, paving the way for connection in various forms.
Sentech designed, engineered and supplied more than 14 exterior VetraFin-G Series System glass facades for the tower’s 2-story lobby, totaling over 13,530 square feet of structural glass. Sentech also supplied the vestibule and elevator enclosures, made up of low-iron, laminated glass. The lobby wall design was created using a Sentech-designed cantilevered glass fin wall that hangs from level 3. The large, cantilevered slab edge supporting the glass fins was soft-shored around the perimeter, leaving an intentional gap to account for the anticipated deflection while maintaining a constant, level elevation around the perimeter to bottom-out the slab edge as the concrete was placed. This maintained the stringent elevational tolerances necessary for the glass fin wall installation.
“The curtain walls combine glass and metal to balance a feeling of solidity and transparency. The tower meets the ground with a light and airy touch, offering a welcoming gateway to the surrounding park and newly expanded Riverwalk.”
– Pelli Clarke & Partners
Salesforce Tower is tracking to achieve LEED v4 Gold Certification for the exterior of the building and LEED v4 Platinum for the interiors, as well as a Zero Carbon Certification. The building is powered by 100% electric systems, meaning thewre is no on-site use of fossil fuels.
Awards
LEED v4 Gold Certification – Exteriors (pending)
LEED v4 Platinum – Interiors (pending)
Zero Carbon Certification
Credits
Architect: Pelli Clarke & Partners
Contractor: Walsh Group
Glazing Contractor: Harmon Inc.
