On September 26th, The Hines development team led by Greg Van Schaack and Tom D’Arcy guided a group of ULI Young Leaders through the development of their Wolf Point and River Point projects. While both sites benefit from world class locations on the Chicago River, the team has encountered significant challenges along the way.

River Point has survived both a global credit crisis and an unusual permitting process (which is abnormally complicated by rail tracks and/or water surrounding the site). Construction of the Amtrak platform is underway and the building will soon offer its tenants some of the most iconic views down the Chicago River.

Across the river to the North on Wolf Point, Hines and their team of architects have designed 3 towers that will attempt to maintain pedestrian-friendly street level green space, while maximizing the site’s development potential. Once complete, Wolf Point will represent a community where residents, office tenants and pedestrians can enjoy the river setting while enhancing the profile of Chicago as a 24/7 destination.

Tom and Greg shared a variety of anecdotes related to their experience raising capital, zoning and leasing these projects. The Q&A and presentation from Hines touched on the interests of most of the Young Leaders in attendance which included professionals from many of the top Real Estate Firms in Chicago.

The team has promised a follow up Case Study in a few years so ULI Young Leaders will have an opportunity to check back and see the progress at Wolf Point/River Point.  See more event photos