The Commission on Chicago Landmarks has approved the addition of an elevator to the riverwalk. The new elevator will be located at 65 E Riverwalk South, along the riverwalk between the N Wabash Avenue and N Michigan Avenue bridges. The elevator will allow for better accessibility, as well as aid in deliveries to vendors along the riverwalk. The City of Chicago is the entity in charge of the project, with Muller and Muller Architects in charge of the design.
65 E Riverwalk South via Google Maps
The elevator will be housed in a glass fiber-reinforced concrete, or GRFC, enclosure, along E Wacker Drive in The Loop. The enclosure will be separate from the E Wacker Drive esplanade, located at the end of the existing ramp, which slopes down to the proposed site of the elevator. The cladding of the enclosure consists of GFRC on the upper portion and cast stone on the lower section to match the granite base.
65 E Riverwalk South Elevator Elevations. Drawings by Muller and Muller Architects
65 E Riverwalk South Elevator West and East Elevations. Drawings by Muller and Muller Architects
The enclosure will use flat rustication similar to those found on the esplanade to match the area. The corners of the enclosure will extend slightly, with the top incorporating a projecting cornice. There is a proposed curved zinc, standing seam metal roof, which will be dark grey in color to blend into the surrounding historic district. The size of the roof allows for ventilation and maintenance access.
The city plans to move forward with the project in this current budget year, with the structure aimed to complete by the end of 2020. Permits have not yet been filed.
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Could only find 1 elevator on the north side of the river which led to nothing but an inaccessible landing for a large boat?
All the advertised businesses were on the South side of the Riverwalk accessible only via steep ramps. You would need to be a para-Olympian to negotiate ramps?
Was this elevator ever constructed/completed?
No. It is has not been inspected by The Elevator Bureau to state that is safe for use. It is hopeful that it will be approved for public use by the end of April.