Taylor Johnson regularly works with clients on grand opening events for high-profile residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects. So, when TJ client Related Midwest planned to open a 2-acre, publicly accessible multi-use park in the heart of Streeterville, next to its new ultra-luxury residential tower, One Bennett Park, we were asked to coordinate and publicize the event.
The idea was to showcase the new green space, Bennett Park, as both a public benefit to the neighborhood and the high-rise’s flagship amenity. TJ had already spent three years securing local and national media coverage around the building’s construction, design, architecture, sales and leasing. As a result, we understood the caliber of event the developer and community officials desired for Bennett Park’s grand opening — and how meaningful it was for Related Midwest to gift this new park, created by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, to the neighborhood.
To debut the grounds to media and community stakeholders, TJ planned a morning press conference in the park. Executives from Related Midwest, 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR), and children and educators from a nearby school cut the ribbon on Bennett Park in front of a crowd of 100+ VIPs, community leaders and media outlets. The press conference was featured on FOX 32 Chicago and ABC 7 Chicago.
TJ also guided the vision and coordinated the festivities for Bennett Park’s public grand opening event later that evening. Visitors enjoyed snacks from popcorn and ice cream carts, live music from the eclectic and whimsical band Mucca Pazza and three-time Grammynominated children’s musician Justin Roberts, and creations from a balloon artist — all while exploring the park’s beautiful landscaping, lawn bowl, dog runs and children’s playground. Demonstrating Taylor Johnson’s integrated approach, TJ sent a follow-up news release and photos to media, resulting in online and print coverage.
The client declared that the park’s grand opening struck just the right tone — casual, vibrant and fun for residents and neighbors, yet executed in a sophisticated way that highlighted the park’s function as an urban oasis for all Chicagoans to enjoy.
Clips
Bennett Park Brings New Playground, Dog Runs, And Lush Landscaping To Streeterville
Curbed
Privately-Owned, Publicly-Accessible Bennett Park Opens
Loop North News
Related Midwest Puts The “Park” In One Bennett Park, City Switches Up Affordable Housing Policy: Daily Digest
The Real Deal