River Point in Chicago kicks off construction on a spectacular retractable-roofed restaurant
River Point Restaurant will feature a unique 1,600-square-foot operable enclosure overlooking the Chicago river, designed by OpenAire
Residents and visitors to the Windy City will soon have a spectacular destination to enjoy a great meal and take in Chicago’s skyline, as the new River Point kicks off construction on a rooftop restaurant with a custom retractable roof from OpenAire. River Point will be Chicago’s newest ultra-modern architectural icon, with a convex-shaped 52-storey office tower that features cutting-edge office space, retail locations and amenities, plus a stunning 1,600-square-foot restaurant terrace with a retractable roof.
River Point sits in the heart of the downtown West Loop by the north branch of the Chicago River. The rooftop restaurant’s unique enclosure features a single-slope skylight that measures 69 feet long by 23 feet deep and includes three motorized bays along the length of the structure, each divided into three panels up the slope. The bottom two panels on each bay retract upward, telescoping under the top fixed panel. As a result, almost two thirds of the dining area will open to Chicago’s skyline. A 12-foot-high front wall with three bi-folding doors will open completely to a tree-lined rooftop terrace outside and offer unbelievable views of Chicago’s riverside and downtown. It will be an impressive experience that matches the incredible architecture of River Point.
Mark Albertine, President of OpenAire, is excited about this being part of this iconic project location. “Our team is bringing OpenAire’s dynamic, reliable designs to more locations than ever this year,” he says, “This trendsetting project at River Point in Chicago is a fantastic way to kick it all off.”
River Point’s restaurant and terrace will offer the best of both an indoor and an outdoor dining space thanks to OpenAire’s versatile and reliable retractable enclosure. In pleasant weather, the structure’s operable roof panels and front wall will open to let visitors enjoy the sunshine and fresh air as if they were outdoors. At the first sign of rain or cold weather, the roof can close with the touch of a button to provide warmth and shelter while still giving unobstructed outdoor views. OpenAire is working in collaboration with River Point’s architects: Pickard Chilton Architects (building), Kendall/Heaton Associates, and Antunovich Associates (restaurant), to ensure this new enclosure suits its owner’s needs perfectly and fits seamlessly with the buildings architecture. A Gibsons Restaurant Group is set to open in the Fall of 2017, giving guests a place to enjoy excellent dining under the open skies without having to leave the heart of the city.