Cultural Center Green Roof

Chicago, Illinois

Client: City of Chicago Department of General Services

Cost: $2,750,000

A major challenge in this project was how to accommodate the weight of a 'green' roof on a structure designed in 1897. The solution was to post tension the existing trusses by installing a cable system and a king post to each truss. This installation allowed the trusses to be cambered in order to sustain the additional load.

BauerLatoza Studio developed various planting schemes that take into consideration the historic nature of the building. The plant material selection focuses on sustainability and variety in order to provide interest to this highly visible roof. The specified plant materials provide four season interest.