Located on the site of the former Gutmann Leather Tannery along the east bank of the Chicago River, the new consolidated headquarters for C.H. Robinson reimagines a historic industrial property as a modern, sustainable workplace. The four-story, 236,500 sf office building features expansive riverfront terraces, a 25,000 sf green roof, and landscaped surface parking for 140 vehicles, along with secured onsite parking for more than 200 bicycles.
Designed with efficiency in mind, the building’s innovative mechanical system includes two 25,000-CFM air handling units on each floor and two 19,000-CFM rooftop heat recovery units that significantly reduce energy consumption and operating costs. A custom stairwell smoke evacuation system—featuring a sequence of motorized dampers—enabled an increased occupancy load beyond standard levels while maintaining safety compliance.
Complex Riverfront Logistics
The tight riverfront site presented one of the project’s greatest challenges: limited frontage left no space to position a crane along the riverwalk. To overcome this, two barges were deployed—one supporting a 100-ton crane with a 110-foot boom and the other for staging construction materials. Divers installed the new sheeting, and comprehensive safety protocols were implemented before riverwalk construction began, including OSHA-required life jackets, flotation devices, and on-site emergency boat access.
