The Reed at Southbank
234 W Polk St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Facade Solution(s): Glass Facades
Product(s): QCglass
Finish: Custom printed black linear pattern
Architect: Perkins&Will
Project Type(s): Commercial, Hospitality, Residence
Status: Complete
Completed Year: 2023
Located along the east side of Chicago river’s south branch, Southbank is an ongoing urban regeneration project developed by Lendlease. Southbank’s second installation, a 41-story residential building called The Reed, features expansive indoor and outdoor amenities, including a new section of the riverwalk.
Constructed on a long-vacant plot where Chicago’s Grand Central Station stood until its demolition in 1971, the Reed at Southbank project prioritized a strong connection to the historic location. The design by Perkins&Will expresses this connection through the materials and detailing of the project. A lower section of the facade distinguishes the building with a section of QCglass rainscreen panels in a custom-printed black linear pattern based on letter press trays, a nod to the historic South Loop Printer’s Row neighborhood. The facade’s glass cladding protects against Chicago’s famously windy conditions, preserving the integrity and appearance of the building envelope.
