Chicago Riverwalk

David Mason + Associates (DMA) contributed to improving the functionality and beautification of Chicago’s Downtown Riverwalk by incorporating a master plan that addressed critical riverwalk functions. Improvements included wayfinding, circulation/stairways, ramps and elevators, vendor spaces, public restrooms and various amenities. The project focused on improvements on the southern side of the main branch of the Chicago River and is bounded to the west by Lake Street and to the east by Lake Shore Drive. Improvements addressed renovations at all three accessible levels – the Riverwalk Level, Lower Wacker Drive, and Upper Wacker Drive.

DMA provided structural and civil engineering design services for a variety of phased projects along the Chicago Riverwalk as well as peer reviews for proposed site improvements from Concession Program Licensees.

Engineering designs included new underground utilities and paving, electrical room enclosure structures, and build-out of existing unconditioned spaces. These spaces opened up programed opportunities for security offices, public restrooms, storage areas and general offices that are now enclosed and environmentally controlled. New outdoor steel-framed vendor spaces are supported by new footings and a new elevator to reconnect the Riverwalk Level to Lower Wacker Drive level. To make way for the new vendor spaces and elevator, DMA analyzed the existing construction then designed the demolition of approximately 150 feet of ramp previously linking the Riverwalk level to Lower Wacker Drive along the Riverwalk. To facilitate these improvements an expansion joint, slab and wall repairs/replacements were implemented under Wabash Plaza to cure existing water infiltration. A public art installation requiring a freestanding structural wall, and various landscaping improvements.