You’ve probably seen it while rushing to catch a Metra train or walking toward Fulton Market. It’s that massive, tiered glass giant that looks like a waterfall made of windows. Officially, it’s Accenture Tower now, but if you ask any local or a seasoned real estate broker, they still call it 500 West Madison.
This building isn't just another office block. It’s a literal bridge between old-school corporate Chicago and the tech-heavy future of the West Loop. Honestly, it’s one of the few places in the city where you can buy a bagel, hit a two-level gym, and walk straight onto a train platform without ever feeling the Chicago wind.
The Architectural Soul of 500 West Madison
Designed by the legendary Helmut Jahn (of Murphy/Jahn) and completed in 1987, the building was originally known as the Northwestern Atrium Center. Jahn was a bit of a rebel. While everyone else was building flat-topped boxes, he gave this tower a jagged, late-modernist silhouette.
It stands 42 stories tall, roughly 588 feet. The blue glass reflects the sky in a way that makes it look different every hour of the day. It was built using "air rights" over the Ogilvie Transportation Center. That means the building literally sits on top of the train tracks.
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Construction started in 1984. Before this glass giant existed, the site was home to the 1911 North Western Station’s head house. They tore that down but kept the tracks underneath. It’s a feat of engineering that most people take for granted while they’re staring at their phones in the lobby.
More Than Just a Train Station
People get confused. They think 500 West Madison is just a fancy entrance to the Metra.
It’s way more than that.
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The building is a Class A LEED Gold-certified monster with 1.47 million square feet of space. The owner, KBS Real Estate Investment Trust III, has poured millions into making sure it doesn't feel like a 1980s relic.
The Amenities Game
In 2021, they finished a massive renovation. We aren't just talking about fresh paint.
- The Reserve: A tenant lounge that feels more like a high-end hotel bar. It’s got a staffed bar for coffee in the morning and cocktails when the clock hits five.
- The Assembly: A conference center with a catering kitchen that puts most hotel ballrooms to shame.
- Fitness: A 14,000-square-foot gym that includes a half-court basketball court. You can actually play a pickup game during your lunch break.
- Outdoor Terrace: There’s a yoga deck and fire pits. In Chicago. On the side of a skyscraper.
The Accenture Rebrand
In July 2019, the building officially became Accenture Tower. The global consulting giant took over 226,000 square feet, moving hundreds of employees into one central hub. It was a huge win for the West Loop.
It signaled that the center of gravity in Chicago was shifting west, away from the traditional LaSalle Street corridor. Other big names like W.W. Grainger and Orbitz have called this place home too. Even coworking giant Industrious occupies the 9th and 10th floors, offering flexible space for startups that want a prestigious address without a 10-year lease.
What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a common misconception that 500 West Madison is "out of the way."
Wrong.
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It’s actually the most connected building in the city. You have direct access to the UP-N, UP-NW, and UP-W Metra lines. The CTA Pink and Green lines are a block away at Clinton. Union Station is just three blocks south.
If you work here, you're basically at the gateway to Fulton Market. You can walk to some of the best restaurants in the world—places like Au Cheval or Girl & the Goat—in under ten minutes.
The Retail Reality
The first two floors are essentially a vertical mall called the MARKETPLACE@500.
With over 80,000 square feet of retail and 45+ stores and restaurants, it’s a city within a city. You’ve got everything from Amazon Go and Pret A Manger to local spots like BenjYehuda. It’s busy. It’s loud. It’s very "Chicago."
Actionable Insights for the Savvy
If you’re looking at 500 West Madison—whether as a potential tenant, a commuter, or just an architecture nerd—keep these things in mind:
- Commuter Hack: If it's raining or snowing, use the second-floor skybridge to get across the street. You can stay indoors for a surprising amount of time in this area.
- Office Seekers: The floor plates are massive, ranging from 31,000 to 47,000 square feet. This is ideal for large tech firms or law offices that want an open-concept layout without being split across five different floors.
- Public Access: Don't be intimidated by the security. The retail levels and the food hall are open to the public. It’s one of the best places to people-watch in the West Loop during the morning rush.
The building continues to dominate the skyline because it evolves. It isn't just a relic of the '80s; it’s a living, breathing part of Chicago’s infrastructure. Whether it’s the basketball court on the upper floors or the thousands of commuters flowing through the basement, 500 West Madison remains the heartbeat of the West Loop.