Developer completes renovations at Reid Murdoch Building

Friedman Properties has announced it completed renovations at the Reid Murdoch Building, located along the Chicago River in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Designed to enrich the tenant experience while retaining the building’s authenticity, the improvements included the construction of a 5,600-square-foot amenity suite with a new lounge and fitness center.

Originally constructed in 1914, the Reid Murdoch Building long served as the office, warehouse and manufacturing facilities for Reid, Murdoch & Co., one of the country’s largest wholesale grocers. The building hosted traffic courts and other municipal offices for decades, following the city of Chicago’s purchase of the property in 1955.

Friedman Properties acquired the eight-story, 320,000-square-foot building in 1998 and executed a full redevelopment in 2002. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a Chicago Landmark.

Housed on the fourth floor, the lounge features an expansive café with complimentary coffee drinks, an A/V system, refrigeration and warming drawers for larger events, and multiple seating configurations to accommodate individuals or small groups. Two conference rooms are available with video conferencing technology and can be reserved via an online portal. Other features include high-speed internet and a mural by artist Kate Lewis.

The adjacent fitness center includes cardio equipment with integrated video content and streaming, Peloton bikes and free weights. Locker rooms with showers and towel service, as well as access to a personal trainer, round out the experience.

 “As employee habits transform, office properties must adapt to ever-changing demands,” said Albert Friedman, CEO and chairman of Friedman Properties. “This is particularly true for historic structures like the Reid Murdoch Building. Designed to foster social interaction and promote health and well-being, these new facilities will further modernize the property while retaining the architectural character that sets it apart within the marketplace.” 

A first phase of renovations completed earlier this year featured a 5,388-square-foot speculative office suite on the third floor that, along with sweeping river views, includes a lounge and collaboration space, two conference rooms, three private offices, 29 flexible workstations and an expansive, open kitchen. 

Additionally, a lobby transformation featured exposed concrete columns and brickwork, new terrazzo floors, a digital wall showcasing a variety of visuals, a marble-and-steel concierge desk and a hand-painted mural depicting Reid, Murdoch & Co.’s Monarch Foods logo.

In February, Friedman Properties announced "Theater of the Mind" will occupy first-floor retail space at the property. Scheduled to launch this fall as part of Goodman Theatre’s centennial 2025/2026 season, the permanent installation was co-created by musician and artist David Byrne — best known as the frontman of new wave band Talking Heads — and is expected to draw approximately 100,000 visitors in its first year.