Partners plan greenhouses on Chicago rooftop

Gotham Greens to build 75,000 square foot rooftop greenhouse in Chicago.

CHICAGO — Sustainability pioneers Method Products, PBC and Gotham Greens have announced a partnership to build the world’s largest rooftop farm at Method’s new manufacturing plant in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago’s south side.

Designed by William McDonough + Partners, Method’s plant is anticipated to be the world’s first LEED-Platinum certified manufacturing plant in its industry.

Greenhouse on roof

Gotham Greens will design, build and operate a state-of-the-art agricultural greenhouse facility on the roof of the plant.

The greenhouse will be capable of producing up to 1 million pounds of produce annually that the planned say will be distributed through local Chicago retailers, restaurants, farmer’s markets and community groups.

“Chicago has shown remarkable leadership in urban farming and green building over the past decade,” said Viraj Puri, co-founder and CEO of Gotham Greens, “and we’re thrilled to be contributing to the trailblazing work being done in these sectors.

“Method has been instrumental in supporting the revitalization happening in Pullman, and the addition of this sustainable greenhouse means that more Chicago residents will have access to fresh, healthy foods grown in the neighborhood,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

“Gotham Greens shares our goal of using business as a force for social and environmental good,” said Drew Fraser, CEO of Method. “We are thrilled to partner with a like-minded organization, who has demonstrated that the innovative, adaptive use of urban space can make a significant impact on local communities.”

The facility is scheduled to be operational in the spring of 2015.