Cityfront Center is a 52 acre site located on the north bank of the Chicago River where it meets Lake Michigan, in downtown Chicago. It has remained an undeveloped parcel of rail lines and warehouse since its origins as a shipping district in the 1800’s. The then Owner Chicago Dock and Canal Trust hired Lohan Associates to develop a comprehensive master plan for the development. The master plan included internal design standards and designs for the public spaces and infrastructure. The site was zoned for 20,000,000 sf, and land uses including residential, hotel, retail, and office.

Guidelines for each parcel delineated building heights, setbacks, and building materials. Unique restrictions include a visual corridor that protects views of the Chicago Tribune building from Lake Shore Drive.

The master plan included internal design standards and designs for the public spaces and infrastructure. Public space enhancements were structured to be completed in segments when individual private developments occurred, and to be funded by them.

Public space design includes streetscape, two urban parks, and the Centennial Fountain. Streetscape elements include paving, seating, lighting, and intensive landscaping throughout the site, including shoring up the riverbank to provide a riverside esplanade. One of the parks, Ogden Plaza was realized, as was the river esplanade and the Centennial Fountain.

Completed: 1984
Planner: Lohan Associates