Yesterday, the renovated plaza officially opened at the base of the 83-story Aon Center, located at the 200 E Randolph Street address in New Eastside. Owner 601W Companies overhauled the half-acre outdoor venue as part of a larger effort to modernize the iconic 1,136-foot supertall, whose eventual plans will include an observatory, thrill ride, and glass elevator.
Aon Center Plaza renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Aon Center Plaza renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Aon Center Plaza renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
The previous design of the plaza was completed alongside the Aon Center tower in 1974. The new iteration by landscape architecture firm HGA focuses more on flora and lounge areas for both tenants and the general public. As seen in completion photos, the space includes various open grass and gardens, soft seating areas, fire pits, an outdoor bar, and both ramp and elevator options for greater accessibility.
Aon Center Plaza renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Aon Center Plaza renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Aon Center Plaza renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Both the tower and plaza are directly north of Grant Park, with a variety of nearby public transit for both tenants and visitors. Within a five-minute walk alone, bus service can be found for Routes 3, 26, 66, 124, 143, 147, 151, and 157. Anyone looking to board the CTA L will find all lines within a 10-minute walk west toward The Loop.
Aon Center Plaza renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Aon Center Plaza renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
In recent years, various Chicago downtown office developments built in the 20th century have seen a major surge in renovations for both the accessory plaza spaces and interior amenities. Other examples include Michigan Plaza just to the northwest, as well as Two Illinois Center directly north of there.
Aon Center Plaza renovation. Photo by Jack Crawford
Aon Center. Photo by Jack Crawford
BEAR Construction served as general contractor for the now completed $6.5 million project.
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This plaza still looks like it is more suited to a strip shopping center in Buffalo Grove than facing the instrumentality of the “Standard Oil” or Aon Tower….or the sophistication of a center city locale. It’s just dumb….and the sculpture plopped in the middle looks like future landfill. Firepits? for apres ski? The best photo is from the street view, where it disappears, and looks like there are a few weeds and loose rocks waiting to be cleaned up. It’s a lot of money spent that will have to be spent again in the near future.
What a waste.
I worked there for 5 years and the older plaza had, at least, personality.
This is forgettable, uninspiring, boring…will be empty all the time.
Missed opportunity, unfortunately.
Monumentality, not instrumentality. Thank you auto-correct
Chicago isn’t a city that does plazas/pocket parks well, the one going in at BMO will be another waste. NY and London are the types of cities where these investments are utilized. The public will never gather here in any significant numbers organically and regularly.
No sir, I don’t like it.