The 320 South Canal office tower not only adds to Chicago's distinctive skyline, but also sets new standards in design and technology. Located adjacent to the historic Canal Street Station, the project was developed by Amtrak in partnership with Riverside Investment. It includes state-of-the-art office and retail space, as well as a 1.5-acre park that serves as both an event space and public recreation area.

Maintaining a Clear Perspective
A highlight of the building is the glass lobby façade, realised by Lindner Steel & Glass, which features playful V-shaped supports and a slightly recessed entrance for a more open appearance. Continuous glass elements, 12.5 metres high and 3 metres wide, were used to meet both aesthetic requirements and the highest safety standards. The individual glass elements, laminated with Sentryglas Plus and anti-reflective on both sides, are supported by glass fins, contributing significantly to the structural integrity of the lobby façade.

A Technical-Structural Masterpiece
In addition to the sheer size of the glass panels, another structural challenge was the need to accommodate movements in the upper floors. Lindner Steel & Glass developed innovative solutions to ensure maximum transparency with maximum safety. Glass fins, each 609 mm deep and 4 x 12 mm thick, protect the glass elements from wind loads, while custom-made stainless steel frames above the portals carry the weight of the 9-metre high facade glass, each weighing 1.8 tonnes. A stress test confirmed the high load-bearing capacity and safety of the structure, which contributes significantly to the stability of the building.

The size and weight of the glass panels, 1.8 tonnes (at 9 metres long) and 2.7 tonnes (at 12.5 metres long), also presented challenges in terms of transport and installation. These were successfully overcome thanks to innovative methods and Lindner's expertise. Careful planning and adjustment of installation techniques enabled the team to safely install several of these panels each day.
As a result, the facade of 320 South Canal Street is not only a visual highlight, but also an example of technical excellence and design.