A 50-Story Chicago Skyscraper Is Getting a Major Makeover, Complete With Sports Courts and Rooftop Lounges

LOOP, CHICAGO— A 50-story skyscraper in the heart of Downtown Chicago is preparing for a $25 million transformation, with plans to introduce amenities rarely associated with traditional office buildings.

161 N. Clark Street, a 756-foot-tall office tower near the Thompson Center, is being redesigned with a multi-sport court, wellness facilities, outdoor lounges, collaborative workspaces and expanded entertainment areas.

Vancouver-based Onni Group, which acquired the building earlier in 2026, is working with Chicago architecture firm SCB on the renovation.

The improvements are expected to begin in early 2027 and finish by the end of the year, reflecting a growing effort among Downtown Chicago office landlords to attract and retain tenants through upgraded workplace experiences.

What's Planned for the $25 Million Renovation?

Completed in 1992, the 50-story tower contains approximately 1.1 million square feet of office space and is known for the three decorative spires at the top of its skyline silhouette.

The proposed renovation will introduce approximately 60,000 square feet of major tenant amenities, concentrated on the 12th and 13th floors, along with improvements to the ground-floor lobby.

The redesign includes three main areas.

Ground Floor: A Redesigned Lobby and Lounge

The existing lobby will receive updated finishes, expanded reception areas, conference facilities and a lounge serving food and beverages.

The design incorporates wood ceilings, warm materials and a more hospitality-inspired atmosphere intended to make the building's entrance feel less like a conventional corporate lobby.

12th Floor: The Grey

Named in reference to the former Greyhound station that occupied the site, The Grey will feature approximately 30,000 square feet of gathering and workspaces.

Planned amenities include:

Conference and meeting rooms.
Collaborative workspaces.
Game lounge and sports simulators.
Bar and pantry areas.
Outdoor terrace with seating and gathering spaces.

The outdoor terrace will occupy a lower-level rooftop area, not the top of the 50-story skyscraper.

13th Floor: The Hound

The Hound will focus on fitness, wellness and recreation, with another approximately 30,000 square feet of amenity space.

Its centerpiece will be a two-story multi-sport court that can also function as an event venue.

Additional plans include a fitness center, exercise studios, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge facilities, wellness rooms and a lounge.

Together, the two amenity floors are designed to give office tenants more opportunities to work, exercise, meet and socialize without leaving the building.

What Does This Mean for Downtown Chicago Residents?

Although 161 N. Clark is a commercial building, major office investments can influence how Downtown neighborhoods function.

For residents of the Loop, River North and nearby Downtown communities, office occupancy contributes to the customer base supporting local restaurants, cafés, shops and services.

Updated commercial buildings may help established office districts remain active as employers reconsider how much space they need and what amenities their employees value.

The tower's location near public transportation also reinforces the Loop's role as an employment center accessible from neighborhoods throughout Chicago and the suburbs.

For homebuyers and relocation clients considering Downtown Chicago, nearby workplaces, transit options, restaurants and public spaces can all factor into the decision.

However, the renovation does not guarantee an increase in surrounding property values or condominium prices.

Its more immediate significance is the continued reinvestment in an existing Downtown office tower rather than replacing it with housing or leaving its space unchanged.

When Will the Renovation Be Completed?

Construction is currently expected to begin in early 2027, with completion targeted for the end of that year.

The project has been announced and marketed, but the latest information does not establish that every required renovation permit has been issued or that construction has started.

Final schedules may change as plans advance.

More details about the planned workspaces, fitness areas and outdoor amenities are available through the building's official 161 North Clark website.

The renovation represents another example of how Chicago's established office buildings are adapting to a commercial real estate market where amenities, convenience and building quality increasingly influence leasing decisions.

Explore Living Near Chicago's Evolving Downtown

From major office renovations in the Loop to new residential projects in River North and the South Loop, Downtown Chicago continues to evolve.

For buyers, renters and relocation clients, understanding nearby development, employment centers and transit connections can help when comparing neighborhoods and available properties.

The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier helps clients navigate Chicago's real estate market with local neighborhood knowledge and personalized guidance.

Considering a move to Downtown Chicago? Connect with our team to explore available condos, compare neighborhood amenities and find a property that fits your lifestyle and budget.

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