CHICAGO, IL – July 26, 2018 – CallisonRTKL has teamed with REI Co-op and R2 Companies on the Co-op’s new store location near Goose Island on the banks of the North Branch Canal of the Chicago River, a relocation from the store’s current Lincoln Park address. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced news of the new store earlier this month, as well as his efforts to continue the transformation of Chicago’s riverfront.
CallisonRTKL is part of the team charged with developing REI’s store interior as well as the exterior architecture, outdoor patio seating and the series of ramps that will connect to riverfront activities including kayak and paddleboard rentals.
“There is a keen interest in utilizing waterfront property—riverfront, lakefront and oceanfront—for our own health and wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of our communities,” said Keith Campbell, CallisonRTKL Vice President in Chicago. “We are fortunate to be involved in a number of retail projects around the country that are incorporating water and water sports into their daily operations.”
CallisonRTKL partnered with REI flagship stores in both New York City and Washington, D.C., resuscitating historic buildings, and by extension, the neighborhoods surrounding them. The new Goose Island REI store will be located in a warehouse on Kingsbury Street and add to the activity in the former industrial area, now a burgeoning mixed-use district.
The Chicago office of CallisonRTKL is working with R2 Companies on the exterior design and renovation of the warehouse, most recently used as an indoor parking lot, as well as designing exterior seating and ramping that will serve pedestrians walking to and from the waterfront. A new floating dock will offer paddle sport activities, fishing stations and a boat launch. A coalition of public and private interests including NeighborSpace, Urban Rivers and Biomatrix Water have created the river’s new floating gardens.
“The REI project is particularly exciting for our Chicago office,” adds Keith. “Not only does our team visit the site regularly and mark its progress, but the new store will provide accessible, recreational riverfront experiences to all of us who live and work in Chicago.”
The REI store is expected to open in early 2019.
About CallisonRTKL
CallisonRTKL is a global architecture, planning and design practice. Over the last 70 years, we have created some of the world’s most memorable and successful environments for developers, retailers, investors, institutions and public entities. Our work has set us apart as the number one retail design firm in the world and a top-five architecture practice across multiple disciplines and sectors. Under the Arcadis umbrella, we continue to expand our sphere of influence and the depth and breadth of our resources. Our team of nearly 1,700 professionals around the world is committed to advancing our clients’ businesses and enhancing quality of life. callisonrtkl.com
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