A community park within a transformative mixed-use project

North Union

Envisioned as a vibrant green heart for the community, the park is part of approximately 1.3 acres of public open space woven throughout the development. The park is a green roof, sitting atop a two-level parking lot, carefully designed to support the weight of the plantings while ensuring enough soil volume for the plantings to thrive.

At the core of the park is a gently sloped central lawn, bordered by lush perennial plantings that invite relaxation and social gathering. Mounded planters — shaped by the way people naturally navigate the space — define and buffer the space, creating a natural separation between the lawn and adjacent dining areas. The surrounding streetscape is flush with native perennials and shrubs, supporting pollinators and offering low-maintenance beauty throughout the seasons.

North Union’s public realm is designed with three key goals:

• To strengthen connections between neighboring communities including Old Town, Gold Coast, Rush & Division, and Cabrini Green;
• To introduce density and active uses within the site; and
• To reinforce circulation routes to nearby transit.

The park and streetscapes reflect these ambitions — merging ecological function with a strong sense of place to create a welcoming, connected and walkable urban destination.