Since we restored the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool in the early 2000’s, the Lily Pool has been managed through a joint effort of the Conservancy and the Chicago Park District. Twenty years post-restoration, heavy visitorship and Chicago winters have taken a toll. Accordingly, our 20th anniversary “refresh” of the site began in 2022 and to date, we have invested in new plantings, tree care and infrastructure improvements. This fall, we closed the Lily Pool early to begin work on an important project: rebuilding the wooden pavilions so that they stand strong for the next twenty years.
With the help of our generous donors, the Lincoln Park Conservancy will complete the renovation of the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool’s historic pavilions this fall and winter. As a National and Chicago Historic Landmark site, the Conservancy appreciates that Caldwell’s pavilion structures need to be conserved with utmost care to maintain aesthetic consistency; this includes ensuring that materials used in restoration work are “like-for-like” with the pavilion’s original features including copper and redwood roofing components and white oak timbers.
As you can imagine, the specialized nature of the work and materials make the pavilion restoration the most expensive component of the twentieth anniversary “refresh” project. We have already raised more than $150,000 toward the renovation. But to complete the project in time to open for the 2024 season, we are looking to raise $65,000 in additional funds. A portion of funds raised through our year-end campaign will be used for this project, but we are seeking donations to help close the gap and help preserve one of Lincoln Park’s most important cultural features. This will also ensure the Lily Pool opens to visitors in time for the 2024 season. Contact Britt Uhlenhake with questions or if you would like to support this legacy project in the Park.
