synkd | inspirational works
Reimagining Elegance: Transforming the Roosevelt Collection into a Chicago Landmark
Vibrant courtyard beds greet tenants and residents with colorful summer annuals amidst the magnificent backdrop of the city.
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reating an English garden in the heart of Chicago’s bustling South Loop may sound like an ambitious—and perhaps unlikely—endeavor. Yet for the team at Woodlawns Landscape Company Inc., this challenge was an opportunity to showcase their creativity and commitment to excellence. Through meticulous planning, innovative problem-solving and a passion for collaboration, the Roosevelt Collection project has evolved from an uncertain vision into a vibrant, community-focused outdoor destination.
22 SYNKD Winter 2025
We sat down with Melissa Dorsey of Woodlawns Landscape to learn how the team overcame early obstacles, navigated constant changes and turned a once-struggling space into a shining example of urban landscape design.
The Challenge of Getting Started When the project first came to Woodlawns Landscape, the property manager expressed frustration with a previous landscaping provider’s inability to meet expectations. The initial vision—a classic English garden complete with boxwoods and a carefully or-
ganized layout—seemed incompatible with the space’s urban setting. Starting with a limited budget and an unclear scope, the Woodlawns team had to reverse-engineer the project. By working backward from the available budget, they were able to craft a design that captured the client’s objectives while respecting the space’s unique demands. “It was about clarity and partnership,” Melissa explains. “We focused on understanding what the property manager truly wanted and building trust through our process.”
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