The Historic Chicago Daily News Building

2 North Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL

When: Wednesday, October 21st. 10AM

The building’s engineering and planning were equally forward-looking. Constructed over active railroad tracks using an early air-rights development strategy, the complex connected newspaper production, rail infrastructure, river access and the city street grid in a single project. Paper once arrived from river barges and moved through tunnels to the second-floor printing operation, while finished newspapers were sent directly to delivery trucks below.

Today, the building remains directly connected to Ogilvie Transportation Center and sits only steps from Union Stations north exit and the ‘L.’ Blue Star Properties acquired the building in 2025 and is undertaking a major reinvestment focused on preserving its character while bringing new life to its historic spaces. The former printing press floor is being transformed into an approximately 22,000-square-foot tenant lounge with new skylights, conferencing, an auditorium, bowling and a bar, complemented by a renovated fitness center, rooftop amenities and a reimagined concourse.

The WALF tour will offer a look at how a landmark commercial building can evolve through adaptive reuse: retaining original Art Deco character, celebrating exposed structure and historic building fabric, and layering in contemporary hospitality-driven spaces that are intentionally designed to feel collected rather than newly built. It is a rare opportunity to see a significant Chicago building in the midst of its next chapter.

Enter at the River Plaza entrance on Madison Street, just west of the Madison Street Bridge and east of Canal Street. Enter and walk up the ramp into the concourse, past the shops look for 2 N. Riverside Lobby sign. Meet in the 2 N. Riverside Lobby.

Lunch Ideas: TBD