Return of a landmark
Conversion of River City brings visionary design to market

No matter where one catches a glimpse of it, from the bridge over Roosevelt Road, the window of a Loop highrise, a boat on the Chicago River, the River City apartment complex has a way of stopping observers cold, even those who have seen it hundreds of times. The pair of serpentine concrete buildings is at once powerful and supple, rising like a vision of the future from its quiet riverfront perch in the South Loop.

“It’s staggering how much people appreciate this building and the architecture,” says Kevin Knepp, sales manager for American Invsco, www.americaninvsco.net, which is converting River City, at 800 S. Wells, to condominiums. “It may be one of the five or six most recognizable buildings in the city in terms of its look and name.”

The development’s meandering, curvilinear façade, with its smooth concrete face and fish-eye windows, is one of a kind in a city that historically, has prided itself on cutting-edge architecture. The complex has become a local landmark and an international attraction that draws architecture buffs from all over the world.

Famed architect Bertrand Goldberg designed the riverfront complex as two S-shaped buildings over a four story base supported on concrete piers. Penthouses break the sloping roofline, which varies from 12 to 17 stories. The gentle curves of the façade give a surprisingly soft look to a design made entirely of concrete.

The buildings are separated by “River Road,” A dramatic 10-story atrium that winds between their interior walls, softly lit from above by a slanted, undulating glass block ceiling. A series of “skybridges” connect various levels of the two buildings above. River Road is both futuristic and the definition of urban chic, as well as the perfect place to enjoy the feeling of being outside without the harsh consequences that can follow during a Chicago winter.

But the best architecture gives as much thought to lifestyle as looks, and Goldberg’s vision was about more than a catchy design. His philosophy was to construct a self-contained urban environment that would provide for every need of its residents. He managed to create in the heart of the city the kind of idyllic lifestyle that was drawing people to the suburbs in the mid-’80s, when it was built.

Today, of course, many argue that flow is reversing, as buyers, even those who work in the suburbs, increasingly choose the nightlife and culture of a safer Chicago over distant tract housing. Goldberg’s design provides the amenities, security and sense of community buyers once left Chicago to find, but in an urban location that puts many workers a few minutes’ walk from the office.

Urban Market, a full-service grocery store in the building, delivers to residents free of charge on orders of $15 or more. The Bally’s Sports Club downstairs, which recently underwent a $2 million renovation, is one of the largest in the country. The community has a dry cleaner and valet service, indoor and outdoor parking, 24-hour security, a private one-acre park, a roof deck with stunning views, a club house with full amenities and a private grade school.

If that doesn’t impress, there’s also a year-round marina with 64 boat slips. A special churning system keeps the river from freezing over in the marina, allowing people to dock their boats even during Chicago’s brutal winters.

River City’s dramatic exterior architecture translates into unique interiors too, with floor plans that feature curved walls, interior windows for “borrowed light” and long, deep closets. Smaller innovations, from storage lockers right outside the units to retractable built-in clotheslines in the showers, are everywhere. In a market dominated by sameness, the units at River City are as distinct as its landmark design along the river.

At press time, the condominiums came with a standard spruce-up package of new paint, fresh carpeting and ceramic tile for kitchens and baths. Kitchens are equipped with existing appliances, including microwaves and dishwashers. Certain units also now include marble and other upgrades. Prices range from the $160s for a studio to nearly $700,000 for a four-bedroom penthouse with 3.5 baths and breathtaking views.

A number of special “townhouse” units are duplexed, with patios that open onto the private park and some interior windows that face River Road. Many of the studios have private balconies, as do the penthouses. The building’s greatest outdoor space, however, may be the winding S-shaped roof deck, which offers spectacular views in all directions and an entertainment suite with a kitchen and other amenities.

At a time when 30-year mortgage rates have dropped to the 6.6 percent range, the fact that the 448-unit River City complex has around 200 units priced under $200,000 has been a big draw, according to Knepp.

“The low interest rates, really do help,” Knepp says. “People who couldn’t even afford a $175,000 unit now can buy it, and more important, this can mean the difference from being able to buy at all or not, for a lot of people. Buying here is cheaper than renting on a monthly basis for many buyers – definitely when you take into account the tax benefits.”

As one of just a handful of new conversions, River City offers exceptionally quick delivery times, as well as lower prices. In a market where many developers can’t deliver units for a year or more, buyers can take immediate occupancy in units that are vacant at River City. At press time, American Invsco had sold about one-third of the 448 units at River City. Decorated models and a sales center are open on site, at 800 S. Wells.