Wolf Point East

Wolf Point East, a 60-story tower located at the spot where the Chicago River branches off into three waterways, represents a historic landmark – and a landmark project for SH Studio, as our collaborations with influential ownership groups continue to grow.

Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects in partnership with Pappageorge-Haymes Partners, this 698-unit rental apartment building showcases our unique approach to commercial design. “Not only did we bring two decades’ worth of luxury residential design experience to Wolf Point East,“ says Shea, “we were able to apply our marketing know-how to drive design in a way that would appeal to prospective renters.”

For example, the first step in our design process was to devise “affinity groups” comprised of likely tenants. We then established fictional lifestyles for members of each affinity group according to the way we imagined they would live, work, and play. Finally, we created interior design schemes for both model units and amenity spaces that would speak to each groups’ wishes and wants, and foster community among residents.

Amenity spaces, in fact, feel like home: they include dynamic, comfortable areas which invite residents to spread out and live beyond the boundaries of their individual units. Beautifully designed so residents can work, socialize, and entertain in style, all demonstrate the same trio of hallmarks for which our residential work is known: they are timeless, gracious, and elegant. Best of all from a developer’s perspective, they were created with ROI in mind, and deliver exceptional style on a commercial-friendly budget.

Equally impressive is the thoughtful intention applied to the building’s design schemes, all of which pay homage to the importance of the Wolf Point East site to the city of Chicago. Throughout the high-rise, we’ve incorporated the “Municipal Device,” a century-old Y-shaped graphic element of the Chicago River’s three branches coming together. Keep your eyes open next time you walk the city, and you’ll notice it everywhere from bridges to manhole covers. Here, the Y symbol materializes in custom-designed murals, wall coverings, and even SHIIR rugs – giving every detail a deeper meaning than mere aesthetics. Art showcased in the building has all been created by locals, whether well-known or obscure, and further ties Wolf Point East to the city. All of which is apropos in a building that serves as a proud and seamless homage to Chicago’s history and creativity.