In 1989, the Lincoln Park Conservancy led the refurbishment of the historic Standing Lincoln Monument near the Park’s southern end. We raised the funds needed to repair the 100-year-old statue and also installed a formal garden connecting it to North Avenue. One of the Conservancy’s promises to the community is our continued commitment to projects. Now, thirty-five years later, with the statue ready for another round of maintenance, we engaged with the Lincoln Presidential Foundation and Monument Lab to help us develop interpretation plans for the statue and gardens.
At the same time, the Gold Cost Neighbors Association (GCNA) has received funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to support much needed infrastructure improvements to the parkland surrounding Standing Lincoln. Working together, our two organizations and the Chicago Park District have embarked on the South Lincoln Park Renewal Project – an effort to view the entire area wholistically and improve the enjoyment of it for all visitors. Late in 2024, Upland Design joined the effort to develop concept designs for the area south of the LaSalle extension to North Avenue.
To date, we have held two virtual meetings and conducted two surveys to gather feedback from the community about this particular section of Lincoln Park and wishes for its future. Recordings of the meetings, which include concept plans, can be found on our project page. At a third community meeting on Thursday, March 6th, 6:00pm at the Chicago History Museum, we will share the near-final plans. Then, the work of finishing drawings and securing permits for Phase I construction – the improvement of pathways and other hardscape features – begins.
Once the infrastructure repairs are underway, the Lincoln Park Conservancy is committed to raising funds for Phase II which includes the refurbishment of the Lincoln Statue, development of new interpretive signage for this historic sculpture, and improvements to the Gardens. Concurrently, we’ll be identifying other aspects of the plan, such as the landscape improvements recommended just south of the LaSalle extension, for which we can support fundraising efforts.
We are excited that the South Lincoln Park Renewal Project is moving forward and proud to be working with the Gold Coast Neighbors Association and the Chicago Park District to improve the southern gateway to Lincoln Park for the neighborhood and all visitors.
