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Riverwalk gets back to work

Arcade retail spaces taking shape

Photo by Steven Dahlman

(Above) A thin layer of snow coats forms, planters, and most everything else on the Chicago Riverwalk on January 7. The high temperature that day was eight degrees. The mostly glass front of the arcade, where retail shops are being built, can be seen at upper right. (Click on images to view larger versions.)

17-Jan-15 – Work on the Chicago Riverwalk is continuing into the new year. Between State Street and Dearborn Street – and between Dearborn and Clark – construction crews are working on planters, where trees will go, and pavers on which people will walk. They are also working on the granite walls of these Riverwalk rooms, called Marina Plaza and The Cove.

In the arcade spaces under Wacker Drive, where restaurants or other retail vendors will set up shop, doors and windows are being installed, according to construction manager Oswaldo Chaves on Friday.

Next door at River Theater, between Clark and LaSalle Streets, workers are building stairs and ramps. Pavers and handrails are being fashioned under the bridges at State, Dearborn, and Clark Streets.

Chicago Department of Transportation

(Above) This image obtained from Chicago Department of Transportation shows work on pavers west of Dearborn Street on December 17, 2014.

Over the week of January 19, the plan is to continue doing all of this, along with interior walls, made of concrete blocks, in the arcade spaces. Some stairs still need to be built, more glass will be installed along the storefronts. Mechanical systems such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, along with plumbing and electrical elements, will also be installed. Concrete walls, stairs, and ramps will be built between Clark and LaSalle Streets.