Chicago, IL – In a neighborhood like Lincoln Park, where most residents live in apartments and condos rather than homes with backyards, finding space to play can mean a drive to the suburbs, a wait for a public court, or simply going without. For the residents of one Lincoln Park high-rise, that’s no longer the case. SYNLawn Chicago, which has transformed numerous residential rooftops across the city into luxe outdoor living spaces, built a rooftop sports complex that brings golf, bocce, basketball, tennis, and more just an elevator ride from home.
A Backyard in the Sky for Lincoln Park Residents
The building’s owner was impressed with SYNLawn Chicago’s rooftop renovations around the city and wanted to give residents and their guests a true multi-sport destination. The team worked closely with him on the design to make sure every space reflected his vision, and the finished installation covers 14,000 square feet of the rooftop.
The result is more than an amenity. It’s a shared gathering place where neighbors who might otherwise only pass each other in the lobby can meet over a friendly game of bocce, a putting challenge, or a pickup game on the court. Parents have a safe place for their kids to burn off energy, golfers can sharpen their short game after work, and residents who prefer a gentler pace can enjoy a stroll with skyline views.
Building a Rooftop Sports Complex With Something for Everyone
SYNLawn Chicago combined several types of synthetic turf and sport court tiles to create a variety of recreation spaces:
- Putting green: Built with Precision Putt and SYNRye 200. Precision Putt offers superior ball control and one of the most realistic putting experiences available.
- Golf hitting area: Built with SYNRye 200 and Tee Strike, which delivers excellent resiliency, durability, and density for reliable performance at every skill level.
- Bocce ball court: Built with SYNPro Bocce, highly rated for its true ball roll, superior drainage, and polished look.
- Basketball and tennis courts: Built with sport court tiles for a durable, game-ready playing surface.
- Cornhole area: Built with SYNRye 200 for a soft, natural-looking lawn.
- Walking path: A dedicated path for residents who prefer a walk over a game.
Safe, Durable Turf for a Chicago Rooftop
SYNRye 200, used throughout the space, is one of SYNLawn’s safest and most resilient synthetic surfaces. It carries an ASTM E108 Class A fire rating, an important consideration for a high-rise rooftop. HeatBlock™ Technology helps keep the surface cooler on sunny summer days, and UV protection helps the turf resist fading. Because it never needs mowing or watering, the building’s team can spend less time on upkeep while residents enjoy a green, inviting rooftop from spring through fall.
Project at a glance:
- Location: Residential high-rise, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois
- Installer: SYNLawn Chicago
- Project type: 14,000-square-foot rooftop sports complex
- Features: Putting green, golf hitting area, bocce court, basketball and tennis courts, cornhole area, and walking path
- Products: Precision Putt, SYNRye 200, Tee Strike, SYNPro Bocce, and sport court tiles
- Recognition: “Best Rooftop Project” award at the annual SYNLawn Conference
An Award-Winning Rooftop That Brings Neighbors Together
For the creative, thoughtful design of this massive project, SYNLawn Chicago won the “Best Rooftop Project” award at the annual SYNLawn Conference. The bigger win, though, belongs to the residents, who now have a place to play, unwind, and get to know their neighbors without ever leaving home.
Transform Your Chicago Rooftop With SYNLawn
Whether you own a high-rise in Lincoln Park, a condo building in Lakeview, a hotel in the Gold Coast, or a commercial property anywhere in Chicagoland, SYNLawn would love to help you turn an underused rooftop into a space people can’t wait to use. From putting greens and bocce courts to sport courts and lounges, our premium synthetic surfaces are built to handle Chicago weather and heavy use. Contact SYNLawn today to talk through your ideas and get started.
