Chicago, Ill.

Chicago Riverwalk Transformation

Client: City of Chicago
Our Role: Master Plan, Concept Development, Vendor Coordination

People sitting and relaxing on curved wooden seating platforms in an outdoor riverwalk with trees, planters, and paved walkways.

Chicago’s Downtown Riverwalk has surged in popularity in recent years, quickly becoming one of the top five visitor destinations in Illinois. To meet this demand, the City of Chicago contracted GFT to develop a comprehensive master plan to enhance the visitor experience, strengthen daily operations, and expand access to the Chicago River while supporting year-round use and seasonal peaks.

The master plan guided the complete design and implementation of the Marketplace and East Riverwalk sections, creating vibrant, accessible spaces for recreation, commerce, and community engagement. Improvements included enhanced wayfinding, new vendor opportunities, improved pedestrian circulation, additional restrooms, and upgraded amenities such as benches and seating areas designed to support rising visitor demand.

GFT’s work spanned master planning through implementation, integrating design, operations, and constructability from the outset. Recognizing the operational challenges associated with the Riverwalk’s immense popularity, GFT developed innovative solutions to improve deliveries and vendor storage, relocated and expanded administration and maintenance offices, and introduced public safety offices to support efficient operations and visitor safety.

GFT also provided concept design services to reimagine and revitalize underdeveloped and aging sections of the Riverwalk. The Esplanade Section, stretching from East Michigan Avenue to Lake Michigan, and the Confluence Section at Lake Street were transformed into dynamic recreation spaces that artfully screen Lower Wacker Drive from pedestrian view, enhancing both aesthetics and usability.

In addition, GFT provided peer review services for the build-out of all new vendor spaces, ensuring design guidelines were consistently applied and that each space contributed to a cohesive visitor experience across the mile-long stretch of the Riverwalk.

Through its comprehensive approach, GFT delivered enhancements that celebrate the Chicago River as a vital civic resource, blending functionality, accessibility, and thoughtful design. The Marketplace and East Riverwalk sections, along with broader master plan initiatives, have strengthened the Riverwalk’s position as a premier urban destination with expanded access to one of the city’s most iconic features.

Key Features

Developed a comprehensive master plan addressing visitor experience, amenities, and operations.
Designed new vendor spaces and improved circulation.
Upgraded public amenities to improve safety and usability: restrooms, wayfinding, seating, river edge railings, and accessible pathways.
Improved operations by optimizing deliveries, vendor storage, and expanding administrative, maintenance, and public safety offices.
Created concept designs for Esplanade and Confluence to revitalize underused areas and screen Lower Wacker Drive.
Conducted peer reviews of all vendor build-outs to ensure consistent design quality and a unified aesthetic across the Riverwalk.

Outcomes

Delivered a more accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for millions of visitors.
Increased economic activity through improved vendor infrastructure and new commercial opportunities.
Enhanced safety and efficiency through improved logistics and a stronger public safety presence.
Revitalized public spaces to deepen community connection to the Chicago River.
Strengthened aesthetic consistency and identity across the entire Riverwalk.
Supported sustainable framework, long-term stewardship, and future improvements along the Riverwalk.
ENR Midwest, 2020, Best Project Award.
CISC0, 2020, Project of the Year Award.
Friends of the Chicago River, 2020, Silver Ribbon Award.