New Knox Tower to Help Reshape Neighborhood, Bring Landmark Furniture Store Back to Life

For awhile now we’ve been wondering, what’s been up on Knox? First, Restoration Hardware was demolished. We learned that the store will be transformed into a fancy RH Gallery, with three stories of retail and a restaurant on top. And now, the closed Weir’s furniture store will be transformed into a new 12-story tower.

But do not fret, a revamped Weir’s furniture is also a part of the project. The historic furniture store closed after 70 years on February 2, but it is coming back to life. The Weir’s Plaza development will house international law firm, Kirkland & Ellis, in about 66,000 square feet of the office space. WeWork will also be a tenant, taking up three floors.

Six new levels of underground parking will alleviate some pain that comes with visiting the busy Knox street area. The office project is already about 65 percent preleased according to the Morning News, and will open in 2021.

The project comes from Four Rivers Capital, who is collaborating with the Weir’s family on the new space. Texas design firm GFF was also hired to redevelop the Weir’s property that has occupied the space for 70 years. The goal was to create an office-oriented mixed-use development, while preserving the facade of the Highland Park Soda Fountain building.

Along with all of the new office space, the 297,000 square foot property will include stores, restaurants, outdoor areas and a resort-style fitness center for tenants. Expansive sidewalks will make it a more pedestrian friendly area, enhancing the walkability of the neighborhood.