River City

River City is a residential complex along the Chicago River featuring curved buildings with concrete sculptural elements designed by Bertrand Goldberg. The development connects approximately 1,000 housing units through balconies, terraces, and bridges that allow pedestrians to move throughout the entire site.

Construction began in 1972 and involved multiple design revisions over a decade before completion in 1986. The original concept of three connected towers was eventually abandoned in favor of the current flowing form along the river.

The place embodies Goldberg's vision of a vertical urban community where residential and commercial life blend together. You can see this mixing today in the ground-level spaces filled with restaurants and small shops that serve both residents and visitors.

The complex sits at the southern edge of the Loop and is easily reached on foot or by public transit. The pedestrian pathways between buildings are open to the public, and the site offers views of the river and the city skyline.

The structure winds along the river in a snake-like pattern, creating unexpected pockets of calm in the heart of the densely built city. This organic design was a deliberate departure from Goldberg's more angular initial plans.

Location: Chicago

Inception: 1986

Architects: Bertrand Goldberg

GPS coordinates: 41.87140,-87.63450

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:03