You’ve probably seen it from the "L" tracks or while grabbing a coffee in the Loop. That massive, sweeping curve of a building that looks like it’s leaning back to catch some sun. Most people just call it Chase Tower. But officially, 10 South Dearborn Chicago is more than just a bank—it's a 60-story titan of the skyline that's currently undergoing its biggest transformation in half a century.
Honestly, for a long time, the building felt a bit... tired.
It was completed in 1969. While the architecture was revolutionary back then, by the early 2020s, the inside started feeling like a time capsule of beige cubicles and fluorescent lighting. But things are changing fast. JPMorgan Chase isn't just staying; they are doubling down on downtown.
The Massive 2026 Renovation: It’s Not Just a Facelift
If you’ve walked by recently, you might have seen the construction barriers. Chase is pumping hundreds of millions into this place. We aren't talking about new carpet and a fresh coat of paint.
They are basically gutting the experience of the building.
The highlight? A brand-new fitness center and a high-tech conference center at the very top of the building. Imagine having a meeting with a 360-degree view of Lake Michigan and the Willis Tower. That’s the new reality for 10 South Dearborn Chicago. They’re also fixing the elevators—which, if you’ve ever worked in a 60-story building, you know is the real MVP of any renovation.
The project is a huge deal for the Loop. It’s creating nearly 1,000 construction jobs and pouring over $370 million into the Illinois economy. In a world where everyone says "the office is dead," this building is shouting the opposite.
Why the Curve?
The building’s signature "A" shape isn't just for aesthetics. It was designed by the firms C.F. Murphy Associates and Perkins & Will to maximize space.
- The Bottom: Large floor plates for the massive banking halls and retail.
- The Middle: Tapering in as you go up.
- The Top: Efficient, smaller floor plates for executive offices.
It’s one of the few buildings in the world that uses this specific inward-sloping curve. It makes the tower look light, despite being a literal mountain of steel and granite.
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Living with the Chagall
You can’t talk about 10 South Dearborn without mentioning the plaza. It’s home to "The Four Seasons" by Marc Chagall.
It’s a massive mosaic. 70 feet long. Over 250 colors. It was a gift to the city in 1974, and during this current renovation, they are making it even more accessible. The new plaza design includes a covered canopy and more seating, so you can actually eat your lunch next to a masterpiece without feeling like you're sitting in the middle of a construction site.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Tenants
A common misconception is that Chase is the only thing at 10 South Dearborn Chicago. While they own the building and occupy the lion's share of the 2.2 million square feet, the building has always acted as a hub for other businesses.
However, because the renovation is so intense, Chase has actually been moving people around. They recently expanded their footprint at the Citadel Center (131 South Dearborn) just to house employees while the 10 South Dearborn project finishes up.
It's a giant game of musical chairs.
By the end of 2026, the goal is to have a "vertical campus." This means employees won't just sit at a desk; they’ll have "neighborhoods," collaborative zones, and wellness areas. It’s the "Google-ification" of a traditional bank.
Real Talk: The Challenges
Is everything perfect? Not really.
The Loop is still struggling with high vacancy rates—nearly 26% in some quarters. 10 South Dearborn is a "Class A" building, which means it’s at the top of the food chain, but the surrounding blocks have a lot of empty retail. The success of this renovation is a huge gamble on the idea that people still want to commute to the center of the city.
If Chase can pull this off, it sets a blueprint for other aging giants in the Loop. If not, it’s a very expensive experiment.
Practical Insights for Your Next Visit
If you're planning to visit or if you're a business looking at the area, here’s what you need to know:
- Construction Access: The main lobby and plaza are often restricted right now. Always check the Dearborn or Madison entrances for the current "path of least resistance."
- Public Transit: You literally cannot get a better location. The Blue and Red lines are a block away, and the "L" loop is right there.
- The Mosaic: Don't just take a selfie and leave. Walk around it. Chagall actually updated the mosaic after it was installed because he wanted to include more modern elements of the Chicago skyline. It’s a living piece of history.
What to do next:
If you are a fan of Chicago architecture, grab a pair of headphones and download the Chicago Architecture Center's app. They have specific segments on the Perkins & Will design of this tower. If you're a business owner, keep an eye on the sublease market in the surrounding blocks—the "Chase Effect" usually drives up prices once a renovation this big is finished, so now might be the time to lock in a rate at a nearby property like One South Dearborn or the Citadel Center.