Walk along the Chicago River on a Tuesday morning and you’ll see it. It’s that massive, authoritative presence right at the corner of LaSalle and Wacker. Most people just call it 222 North LaSalle, but it’s officially the Builders Building. It’s got that old-school Chicago grit mixed with a weirdly modern interior that somehow works.
If you’re looking for 222 n lasalle st chicago, you aren't just looking for an address. You’re looking for a statement. This isn't one of those glass needles in the West Loop that feels like it was built yesterday and might blow over tomorrow. It’s a Beaux-Arts giant. Built in 1927. It’s got weight.
The Architecture That Refuses to Age
It was designed by Graham, Anderson, Probst & White. Those are the same legends behind the Wrigley Building and Union Station. Honestly, they don’t build things like this anymore. The terra cotta detail on the exterior is absurdly intricate if you actually take a second to look up.
Inside? Total 180.
A few years back, Tishman Speyer—the folks who own the place—poured a ton of money into a massive renovation. They added a three-story atrium that basically acts as a glowing heart for the building. It’s airy. It’s bright. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to have a coffee meeting instead of hiding in a cubicle.
The juxtaposition is the point. You get the 1920s prestige on the outside and a high-tech, amenity-rich environment on the inside. It’s kinda like a vintage Porsche with a Tesla engine.
What’s Actually Inside 222 N LaSalle St Chicago?
People always ask who is actually renting space here. It’s a mix. You’ve got heavy hitters like the law firm Vedder Price, which has been a staple of the building for a long time. Then you have tech companies and creative agencies that want to be near the action of River North without being in a generic glass box.
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The floor plates are huge. We’re talking roughly 40,000 to 50,000 square feet. That matters because it allows big companies to keep their entire team on one or two levels rather than splitting them up across five floors. It changes the vibe of an office. It feels more collaborative.
The Perks That Actually Matter
Let's be real. No one cares about a "fitness center" if it's two treadmills in a basement. 222 North LaSalle went the other way.
The fitness center here is top-tier. It’s called ZO. It’s part of Tishman Speyer’s global suite of amenities. They have a tenant lounge that feels more like a private club than an office lobby. There’s a roof deck, too. If you haven't seen the view of the Chicago River from the top of this building, you’re missing out. It’s one of those "I’ve made it" views that helps justify the rent.
Then there is the food situation. You’ve got Prime & Provisions right there. It’s one of the best steakhouses in the city, hands down. Whether you’re closing a deal or just want a ridiculously good burger at the bar, it’s a massive plus.
The Commuter's Dream (Or at Least Not a Nightmare)
Location is everything. If you work at 222 n lasalle st chicago, you’re basically at the epicenter of the city's transit.
The Clark/Lake "L" station is a three-minute walk. You can catch the Blue, Green, Pink, Orange, Brown, and Purple lines. It’s the most connected hub in the Loop. If you take Metra, Ogilvie and Union Station are about a 10-to-15 minute walk, or a very short bus ride.
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Driving is... well, it’s downtown Chicago. It’s never "easy." But the building does have an integrated parking garage, which is a rare luxury for a historic structure. Usually, with these old buildings, you’re hunting for a spot in a public lot three blocks away and praying it doesn't rain. Not here.
Why It Holds Its Value
The Chicago office market has been through the wringer lately. You’ve seen the headlines. High vacancies, companies downsizing, the whole "return to office" tug-of-war.
Yet, 222 North LaSalle stays relevant. Why?
It’s the "flight to quality." When companies downsize, they don't go to cheaper, worse buildings. They go to nicer buildings that give employees a reason to actually leave their houses. You can’t replicate the history of the Builders Building in a suburban office park. You can’t replicate the energy of Wacker Drive on a Zoom call.
The building is LEED Silver certified. That’s a big deal for corporate ESG goals. It shows that even a 100-year-old building can be updated to meet modern environmental standards. It’s efficient. It’s smart.
Realities of the Space
Is it perfect? Nothing is.
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If you want ultra-modern, floor-to-ceiling glass where you can see the person in the building next to you eating lunch, this isn't it. The windows are large, but they are framed in that classic masonry. Some people find the "River North" traffic a bit much during rush hour. It’s loud. It’s busy. It’s Chicago.
But for most, that’s the draw. You are in the mix.
Comparing the Options
If you’re looking at 222 n lasalle st chicago, you’re probably also looking at 300 North LaSalle or maybe the Merchandise Mart.
300 North LaSalle is newer, shinier, and generally more expensive. It’s great, but it lacks the "soul" of the Builders Building. The Mart is a city unto itself, but it can be overwhelming. 222 feels more manageable. It’s professional without being stuffy.
Practical Steps for Potential Tenants
If you're actually considering moving your business here, don't just look at the brochures.
- Visit at 4:30 PM. See what the lobby feels like when everyone is leaving. Is it a chaotic mess or a smooth operation? (Hint: The elevator banks here are actually pretty efficient).
- Check the Atrium. Spend twenty minutes sitting in the common area. Is it a place your employees will actually use, or is it just "dead space"?
- Talk to Tishman Speyer. They are aggressive with their leasing right now because they want to keep the building vibrant. Ask about the ZO amenities and what events they host for tenants.
- Audit the Tech. Make sure the fiber connectivity meets your specific needs. Most of these renovated buildings are stacked, but it’s always worth a double-check.
222 North LaSalle isn't just a relic of the past. It’s a blueprint for how Chicago buildings can evolve. It respects the history of the "Builders" who literally constructed this city while offering the high-end luxury that 2026 businesses demand. It’s sturdy. It’s elegant. It’s undeniably Chicago.
How to Navigate Your Search
If you are researching 222 N LaSalle for a potential lease or a visit, your next step should be to contact the leasing office directly to get the current "stacking plan." This document shows exactly which floors are contiguous and available, which is crucial for planning any long-term growth. Also, schedule a walk-through of the 22nd-floor penthouse space if it's available; it offers one of the most unique architectural perspectives in the Loop. Finally, verify the current parking rates for tenants, as these are often negotiable depending on the size of your lease. Avoid third-party aggregators for the most accurate square footage pricing; go straight to the source.