“Chicago-based developer Friedman Properties have announced the completion of the first phase of renovations at the Reid Murdoch Building in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Designed to enhance the tenant experience, the improvements included renovations to the lobby, corridors, restrooms and elevator cabs, as well as a new fully furnished riverfront spec office suite.
“‘Designed to appeal to today’s office tenant, these modernizations seamlessly introduce contemporary finishes and amenities while simultaneously honoring the historic building’s legacy,’ said Albert Friedman, CEO and chairman of Friedman Properties. ‘Companies come to the Reid Murdoch Building for a differentiated office experience and to tap into the vibrancy of River North, one of the most desirable mixed-use neighborhoods in the country.’
“Friedman Properties acquired the eight-story, 320,000-square-foot Reid Murdoch Building in 1998 and completed initial redevelopment in 2002. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a Chicago Landmark.
“Located on the third floor, the riverfront spec suite spans 5,388 square feet, with a lounge and collaboration space, two conference rooms, three private offices, 29 flexible workstations and an expansive, open kitchen. The suite’s large windows bring in abundant natural light while framing views of the Chicago River and surrounding cityscape.
“‘Demand for move-in-ready office space will continue to grow in 2025 as more companies solidify their real estate needs,’ said Friedman. ‘With its authentic vintage elements, large floor plates and modern efficiencies, the Reid Murdoch Building offers a distinctive work environment that would be impossible to replicate today through new construction.’
“Last month, Friedman Properties announced the Reid Murdoch Building’s first-floor retail space will house ‘Theater of the Mind,’ an immersive theatrical experience scheduled to launch this fall as part of Goodman Theatre’s centennial 2025/2026 season. Co-created by musician and artist David Byrne — best known as the frontman of new wave band Talking Heads — the permanent installation is expected to draw approximately 100,000 visitors in its first year.” (Kugler, Urbanize Chicago, 3/7/25)
“325 N LaSalle, constructed in 1914, was designed by George C. Nimmons for Reid, Murdoch & Co. one of the country’s largest wholesale grocers. Reid, Murdoch & Co. used the building for corporate offices and warehouse space, with several floors dedicated to manufacturing and processing various foods: cheeses, coffee, catsup, sugar, fish, bread, and pickles. The building even included a humidor where tobacco was rolled for cigars. The riverfront site enabled Reid, Murdoch & Co. to ship and receive goods via a supply chain that connected steamers on the building’s south side to railroad spurs on the north side. Under LaSalle Street, the building’s shipping platform was used to load trucks that delivered to merchants all over the city. The building even connected with the city’s downtown freight tunnel system, 60 feet below street level.
“A notable example of the ‘Chicago School’ of Architecture, the building’s design features a red brick façade with decorative terra-cotta embellishments covering a steel and concrete skeleton. Originally the building was symmetrical, with 6 bays of windows flanking the center tower on both sides. In 1926, one bay on the west end was removed allowing the City to widen LaSalle Street.” (Friedman Properties)