Completed rooftop enclosure for brand-new Gibsons Restaurant Group at River Point

Chicago’s skyline now features an unmistakable new addition. The ultra-modern River Point, a convex-shaped 52-story skyscraper in the heart of Chicago’s downtown West Loop, is celebrating the end of an ambitious development project.

This trendsetting new office tower features state-of-the-art office space, exciting retail locations and amenities, and the brand-new Gibson Italia restaurant from Gibsons Restaurant Group.

This unique tri-level restaurant is “a modern steakhouse with authentic Italian influences,” says a Gibsons Group spokesperson. Diners will be able to enjoy a world-class menu while surrounded by spectacular views of the Chicago River, thanks to a custom-designed retractable enclosure designed and built by OpenAire.

“We wanted to create something so our customers could feel like they are a part of the park, the city, and the river. The retractable roof and folding doors allow us to offer our customers unparalleled east-facing views of the Chicago skyline in all seasons and weather,” explains Steve Lombardo III, a partner at Gibsons Italia.

Gibsons Italia offers visitors a wide selection of steaks, including Gibsons USDA Prime Angus, Japanese Kobe, and Australian grass-fed beef; as well as pastas, shellfish, seafood, and much more.

All will be served under open skies throughout much of the year, thanks to OpenAire’s 1,600-square-foot retractable enclosure glazed with glass to maintain the view even during inclement weather when the roof is closed.

Measuring 69 feet long by 23 feet deep, the lean-to enclosure includes three motorized roof bays along the length of the structure, each divided into three panels that telescope up the slope and open almost two-thirds of the dining area to Chicago’s skyline.

OpenAire also designed a 12-foot-high front wall with three bi-folding doors that open the steakhouse completely to River Point’s fourth-floor tree-lined terrace, letting visitors step out into a rooftop haven seemingly away from the busy downtown after enjoying a great meal.

The enclosure’s aluminum-framed panels can close at the first sign of rain or cold weather while still giving guests a naturally-lit outdoor view.

This modern Italian steakhouse is Gibsons Restaurant Group’s first downtown restaurant opening since 2005.

OpenAire worked with River Point’s architects: Pickard Chilton Architects (building), Kendall/Heaton Associates, and Antunovich Associates (restaurant), to ensure the enclosure design would fit seamlessly with both the restaurant’s aesthetic and the rest of the tower’s striking architecture.

With its reliably-built components and bold, vibrant atmosphere, Gibsons Restaurant Group’s dynamic rooftop enclosure will offer Chicago visitors and residents an unforgettable destination for years to come.