With the Millennium approaching, SOM architects, planners, and engineers created plans to transform under-utilized real estate near the Chicago Art Institute into a park connecting Michigan Avenue and Grant Park by way of the world’s largest “green roof.” This art-filled, 17-acre air-rights site elegantly completes Daniel Burnham’s plans for Grant Park with the world-renowned Millennium Park.

Project Facts

Completion Year: 2002
Site Area: 17 acres

Project Awards

2004 • Canadian Institute of Steel Construction • Outstanding Steel Structure
2005 • Urban Land Institute • Award for Excellence: The Americas
2006 • AIA • National Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design
2006 • American Society of Civil Engineers • Award for Outstanding Large Project
2006 • American Society of Civil Engineers • Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award

The Millennium Park Master Plan completes Daniel Burnham’s vision of Grant Park to provide a range of activities, environments and performance facilities for Chicago. The park is built over rail lines, bus lanes and a 2-level parking garage making it the world’s largest “Green Roof” and a fully functional multi-modal transit center. The new park is a tribute to the City’s motto “Urbs in Horto” (“City in a Garden”).