Pullman's press these last few weeks has focused on the neighborhood's role in manufacturing's past. But the forthcoming Method factory, set to open in April, will become a potent signifier of industry's future. Designed by William McDonough+Partners, the $30 million factory is still a work in progress but nearly complete, with the outlines of the rooftop greenhouse beginning to take shape. Set to manufacture Method's natural, non-toxic household cleaners, the plant will also become a physical manifestation of the company's green ethos, with a 230-foot wind turbine and solar panels providing the bulk of the plant's power and hopefully helping it quality for LEED Platinum status.
As previously reported, Brooklyn-based Gotham Greens will be running the 75,000-square-foot, pesticide free urban garden, expected to be the world's largest when it opens. Covering nearly half of the 157,660 square-foot factory's roof, the new grid of greenhouses will provide an estimated one million pounds of lettuce, greens and other vegetables each year to local restaurant and stores, and employ an estimated 40 workers.
While plastics manufacturing doesn't sound green at first, a new, on-site 14,000 square-foot bottle-manufacturing plant will provide environmental benefits by reducing transportation costs and fuel usage. Operated by Amcor Rigid Plastics, the facility will employ an additional 20-30 workers.
With this influx of workers, as well as the jobs and visitors that will come as the Pullman National Monument takes shape, this far south side neighborhood is poised for a development boom.
·Previous Pullman coverage [Curbed Chicago]
·Previous Method coverage [Curbed Chicago]
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