Shared green living in the city

Norweta

Location	Chicago, Illinois
Client	Pappageorge Haymes Partners, Broder Properties
Expertise	Research & Design Innovation, Horticulture & Arboriculture, Inclusive & Accessible Design
Size	2.2 acres
Completion	2022

Norweta housing skyline view site design group

Situated in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, this vibrant residential community reimagines urban living through wellness, green space, and a strong connection to landscape. Built on the site of a former terra cotta factory, the 74-unit development occupies nearly an entire city block and organizes daily life around a sequence of shared outdoor courtyards and lush gardens that provide spaces for gathering, respite, and renewal amid the pace of city life.

Explore

Legend

Trellis and Seating

Discovery Nook

Rock Garden

Lawn and Hammock

Pool Deck

Solarium

Inspired by Chicago’s motto, Urbs in Horto (“City in a Garden”), the landscape became central to both the project’s concept and its success. Outdoor spaces unfold as a series of interconnected “secret gardens,” each distinct in character yet unified by a cohesive design language. Residents encounter moments of discovery throughout: social areas for dining and conversation; lawns and hammocks for relaxation; shaded paths and trellises linking gardens; a resort-style pool deck and outdoor kitchens for gathering and play; and upper-level terraces softened by richly textured prairie plantings.

From day...

...to night

Norweta housing fall colors site design group

Nearly all landscape areas are constructed over the structure, effectively creating an expansive network of green roofs. This required close coordination with the engineering team to address drainage, structural loading, and soil depth constraints. Boulder placements, trellis connections, and planter design were strategically detailed to ensure stability and longevity. Custom planters and board-form concrete knee walls allowed for increased soil volumes, supporting more substantial plant material. Ornamental understory trees were utilized over structure, while larger canopy species anchor the perimeter.

Norweta housing native plantings site design group

Designed to LEED Platinum standards, the landscape incorporates more than 100 plant species selected to support pollinators and avian wildlife. This ecological diversity enriches the sensory experience, introducing variation in texture, scale, and seasonal change, while contributing meaningfully to on-site biodiversity. The strong connection to green space resonated with residents; homes overlooking the gardens were among the first claimed, reflecting the enduring value of wellness, outdoor access, and a sense of retreat within the city.