RIVER POINT 2022!
NALP Gold Award of Excellence Recipient.
Click to view amazing drone footage of River Point
RIVER POINT
River Point is an office building in the heart of Chicago, Illinois, overlooking the confluence of the North and South Branches of the Chicago River. The large, multi-level, river frontage boasts mature landscape plantings and large expanses of turf.
The raised birch beds are deep root fertilized two times a year, plus drip line irrigation provides moisture on a two year dormant pruning cycle. During the dark winter months, the birch branches are illuminated with mini LED string lights.
We carefully plan out the 3 live rotations with green or repeat blooming materials that will remain for all 3 seasons. Then we rotate in season specific plant varieties and colors for budgetary savings.
Hedges are maintained to allow for the plants natural form while not infringing on the public space. Trees are on a pruning program to keep them limbed up for pedestrian egress and thinned to allow for understory plants to thrive.
Ease of egress and effortless access is a requisite design thought and must be maintained meticulously for all ability levels. We work in conjunction with building maintenance to keep all pavement areas clear and debris free.
River Point boasts the largest expanse of manicured turf on the river within the Chicago loop. The property has installed non-visually intrusive signage asking the public to keep dogs off this central turf area.
Heat from the glass windows and the micro-climate of the river requires careful adjustments to irrigation timing throughout the growing season. Collected rainwater is used in the irrigation system, once is consumed, all additional moisture is provided through hand watering.
The property is a green oasis amidst the Chicago River front and boasts a multitude of color and texture from the shrub and perennial collections. Over 90 trees and 17 different plant species live harmoniously on this site.
Planters are utilized to provide privacy screening for the outdoor restaurant seating areas. These planters remain on the river plaza year-round. Proper moisture conditions and multiple anti-desiccant applications are performed during the winter months to combat the Windy City conditions.
Restaurant overflow seating provides space for monthly farm and vendor markets that include community contractors and shops taking advantage of the heavy foot and bicycle traffic. Metal edging provides an elevated boundary to keep mulch in the raised, landscape beds.
