Reimagining an industrial site as an entertainment venue using innovative GI

The Salt District

Located along the North Branch of the Chicago River, Morton Salt has been a recognizable Chicago landmark for nearly a century. After closing its salt storage and packing facility in 2015, the 4-acre site was redeveloped as the Salt District, a mixed-use destination reconnecting the property to the river. Greenprint led the landscape design, prioritizing accessibility, gathering spaces and nature connections. Sustainable features include native plantings, repurposed salt hoppers as tree planters, and a sloped landscape with bench seating along the Riverwalk. A continuous planting strip and boardwalk through the bioswale enhance the immersive experience.

The Riverwalk required a 30-foot setback, posing budget challenges on the former industrial site. Greenprint worked with Chicago’s Department of Buildings and Department of Water Management to demonstrate the viability of Omni Infinity Media™. Collaborating with V3 Companies, the team optimized soil placement to manage a 100-year storm. Runoff is directed into Omni Infinity Media™ before discharging into the river, providing detention and volume control through surface storage. The design meets Chicago’s landscape and stormwater ordinances while cutting costs and securing city approval. It marks Chicago’s first use of innovative stormwater soils, pioneering decentralized green infrastructure to reduce combined sewer overflows.