For more than a century, Seward Park and Washington Square Park have been central to the identity, sense of place and the well-being of Near North Side residents. Building on this tradition, more than a quarter of North Union’s 8.1-acre site will be dedicated to public open space for residents and the surrounding community. Throughout the campus, 100,000 square feet of parks and green spaces are integrated among the development phases.

Open spaces vary from courtyards and walking paths, to multiple dog parks and green spaces for recreation. A 20,000-square-foot signature park is planned for the center of the development, on axis with Franklin Street, and will feature children’s play areas and a great lawn with grade-level changes for visual interest.

Pathways across the parks provide pedestrian connections between buildings and provide circulation throughout the site. ­­

Public art throughout the open areas will highlight Chicago-based artists.­­ Extensive landscaping will be accented by hardscaping, lighting and water features.

These green spaces will provide areas of respite and relaxation to be enjoyed by neighborhood residents, and contribute to the consideration of North Union for LEED Neighborhood Development status.