November 9, 2013 – Chicago-based Walsh Construction will build the next three blocks of the Chicago Riverwalk, from State Street west to LaSalle Street. The city made the announcement on Friday.

Walsh had the low bid. The Chicago Department of Transportation will pay the company $43 million from the $99 million loan it got in June from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Each block – or “room” as planners call them – has its own theme. The stretch along the south bank of the Chicago River from State to Dearborn Street will be called Marina Plaza (above) and include public seating and retail space.

(Above) The Cove will connect Dearborn to Clark Street. (Below) The River Theater, from Clark to LaSalle. (Click on images to view larger versions.)

The project includes connections under each bridge and extending the riverfront out 25 feet into the Chicago River. Construction could get started by the end of this year and is expected to be complete by the end of next year.

Designers are currently working on the last three blocks, from LaSalle to Lake Street. A construction bid process for that phase will begin next spring.

Founded in 1898, the privately owned Walsh Construction Company is the largest construction firm in Chicago.

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