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Omni Ecosystems

Address

4131 S. State St.

Neighborhood

Bronzeville

Hours

Sat, Oct 14: 10am - 2pm

Sun, Oct 15: 10am - 2pm

Photography Permitted Washrooms Available Wheelchair Accessible

Architect/Year

Renovation: Omni Ecosystems, 2020

Description

In 2020, Omni Ecosystems moved its headquarters to a 2.5-acre block incorporating a 1920s Bowman Dairy Company bottling factory, adapted to include an expansive ADA-accessible system of green roofs and outdoor event spaces. The new facility's biophilic design communicates Omni’s brand as a leading green infrastructure and landscape architecture company and enables Omni to fulfill its mission with a community-driven focus. The former industrial complex now features open offices and meeting areas, an indoor plant library and conservatory, a material library, a warehouse and an R&D space. Atop the building is a flexible gathering space and an award-winning green roof utilizing the company's ultra-lightweight growing media.

The site also features Seed A Lot: Sidewalk Share, designed and built by Omni for the 2021 Chicago Architecture Biennial: a 21-foot setback on a contaminated vacant lot transformed into an immersive rewilding landscape, with areas for communal respite and wildlife habitat. It serves as a template for the activation of vacant land and for corridor creation in urban settings.

Visitor Experience

The visitor experience includes a guided tour of the facility, green roof, and adjacent garden site with a self-guided tour option. Station-by-station presentations will allow guests to engage with Omni staff. Tours will depart roughly every 15 minutes.