This week, Chicago YIMBY stopped by the newly renovated outdoor terrace behind the Michigan Plaza office complex, which occupies two international-style buildings at 205 and 225 N Michigan Avenue in New Eastside. The roughly one-acre venue will connect to the now offer various activities, such as a putting green, a fire pit, a bocce court, and a bar. Prior to construction, the parcel offered an open plaza space with much sparser vegetation and seating.
Michigan Plaza terrace renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Michigan Plaza terrace renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Michigan Plaza terrace renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
The space also connects tenants to the complex’s interior amenities, which in recent years have been enhanced and renovated to further attract occupants. These additional amenities include but are not limited to a fitness center, a conference center and tenant lounge, and a revamped lobby with lounge seating.
Michigan Plaza terrace renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Michigan Plaza terrace renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
CannonDesign served as the architect behind both the updated plaza and the center’s other enhancements. Chicago-based landscape architect TGDA also worked alongside CannonDesign for this outdoor component. As seen in photos, the design of the plaza is oriented around a dynamic layout that offers cozy nooks, extensive flora, and a sundry palette of materials. The variety of these materials can be seen in the silver-colored trellis encompassing the bar area, interspersed brick and concrete benches, as well as three different hues for the ground tiling.
Michigan Plaza terrace renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Michigan Plaza is closely connected to a swath of various public transportation, including bus stops for Routes 2, 3, 4, 6, 20, 26, 29, 56, 60, 66, 120, 121, 124, 134, 135, 136, 143, 146, 147, 148, 151, 157, 850, 851, 855, and J14 all within a two-block radius. All CTA L lines are also within walking distance, all of which are located within a 10-minute walk toward the west and southwest. Lastly, tenants will find the Metra at Millennium station, available within a three-minute walk south.
Michigan Plaza terrace renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Pepper Construction served as the general contractor for the $10 million development. The space is currently open to both tenants and the public.
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Is this area open to the public?
Hi Chiguy, yes this space is publicly accessible