Chicago Riverwalk

Often referred to as the City of Chicago’s “second shoreline,” the Chicago Riverwalk provides a continuous pedestrian path connecting the Lakefront to the West Loop and offers access to natural, recreational, and urban amenities. The Riverwalk features wide plazas, ADA-compliant sidewalks, underbridge canopy structures, and stairs that connect the river level to Upper Wacker Drive. It is designed to enhance the cultural, environmental, economic, and recreational aspects of the river, with spaces for dining, public events, and human-powered craft.

Key elements of the project include the construction of six distinct plazas or “rooms” along the river, innovative lighting and landscaping, and the integration of sustainable solutions such as floating wetland gardens, advanced storm water management strategies, and the use of native plantings. The project required extensive coordination with city, state, and federal agencies, as well as careful planning to minimize impacts on existing infrastructure and utilities.

Benesch served as a subconsultant for structural engineering services during the planning and design phases and as Construction Manager for the entire project. The firm’s responsibilities included cost estimates, hydraulic analysis, value planning, concept and final structural design, and preparation of final structural plans.

Unique engineering challenges addressed by the team included constructing structural elements under water, designing underbridge connections at six main streets, and ensuring compatibility with existing dock wall and Wacker Drive structures.