Riverwalk and Dining Upgrades Completed at Reid Murdoch Building

• Friedman Properties has completed a major renovation of the Reid Murdoch Building's 300-foot riverwalkin Chicago's River North neighborhood.
• The latest work, combined with restaurant and property improvements, represents approximately $15 million in recent investment.
• The redevelopment expands outdoor dining and pedestrian space while adding new food and entertainment offerings, including The Carlyle Club and an updated River Roast.

What The Riverwalk Renovation Includes

Friedman Properties has completed reconstruction of the riverwalk at the historic Reid Murdoch Building, a landmark property at 325 N. LaSalle Street that dates to 1914.

The renovated riverwalk connects Clark Street to LaSalle Drive and is now nearly twice as wide as the previous walkway. The improvements include new precast piers, railings, lighting, integrated planters and improved access for visitors arriving by boat.

The project also added a series of 10-foot-tall double doors along the building's south elevation, creating new opportunities for outdoor dining and improving circulation along the riverfront.

What The Riverfront Investment Adds

The riverwalk is part of approximately $15 million in recent investment at the property, including improvements to restaurants, office spaces and other ground-level areas.

The goal is to make the riverfront more active throughout the day, combining pedestrian improvements with dining and entertainment uses that can draw workers, residents and visitors to the property.

What River Roast Has Added

Levy Restaurants has completed renovations to the 28,000-square-foot River Roast, including upgrades to its main event space, now branded RR Events.

The renovated venue features a new riverside entrance with a curved grand staircase, dual-sided bars, updated lighting, furniture, flooring and tableware.

The restaurant has also added Corner Roast, a new coffee concept with a separate entrance, giving the property another food and beverage offering along the riverfront.

What The Carlyle Club Will Bring

The next major addition is The Carlyle Club, which is scheduled to open in September.

Developed by Group LV Hospitality, the 8,200-square-foot restaurant will offer classic American fare, a sushi bar and a cocktail program. The venue will accommodate more than 250 guests across its main and private dining rooms and will include a 62-seat cocktail bar.

The new restaurant will further expand the property's dining options while adding another reason for visitors to spend time along the riverfront.

What The Building's Broader Renovation Includes

The riverwalk and restaurant improvements build on a larger renovation program at the Reid Murdoch Building.

Friedman Properties has also upgraded interior areas for office tenants, including a transformed lobby, a 5,388-square-foot speculative office suite and a fourth-floor tenant lounge with a kitchen, flexible seating, conference rooms and a fitness center with locker rooms and showers.

The property also features Theater of the Mind, an experiential installation co-created by musician and artist David Byrne, which debuted in March 2026.

What This Means for River North

The redevelopment is positioning the Reid Murdoch Building as more than an office property. By combining office space, restaurants, entertainment and an upgraded riverwalk, Friedman Properties is creating a more active mixed-use destination along one of Chicago's most prominent public spaces.

For commercial real estate owners, the project shows how investment in public-facing amenities and ground-floor programming can help reposition an older property and create additional value from its location.