Chicago’s lakefront is one of the city’s most beloved highlights, and it’s about to get even better.
Plans for a 3.5 acre-park located in Streeterville east of DuSable Lake Shore Drive were unveiled this month, and they’re looking beautiful. Jean-Baptiste Point DuSable Park will be home to lush native landscapes, stunning city views and educational elements honoring du Sable’s life and legacy, who is recognized as the city’s founder.
Chicago-based Ross Barney Architects and Brook Architecture are behind the $15 million project.
The renderings highlight built-in seating areas, landscaped mounds and walking paths. Chicagoans will be able to stroll through the region’s native landscape on a nature boardwalk through prairie and wetland habitats, also embracing opportunities to learn more about du Sable.
The design involves a pavilion meant to resemble the house he once lived in nearby, plus educational displays about him and his Potawatomi wife, Kitihawa, and a statue of the figure.
Getting to the park will be a breeze by foot, bike and public transit. Plans include connections to the Chicago Riverwalk and the Navy Pier Flyover on the Lakefront Trail as well as a bus stop.
The park site is located near 400 N. Lake Shore Drive, a residential tower taking shape along the lakefront. The tower’s developer, Related Midwest, is contributing $10 million to the park’s cost.
Chicagoans have waited a long time for the park to come to life—38 years. Former Mayor Harold Washington spearheaded the project back in 1987, giving the piece of land to the Park District specifically to develop it into a space honoring the historical character.
“It’s been a long wait and we know it,” Chicago Park District Director of Planning and Development Heather Gleason told the Sun-Times. “And so we’re really dedicated to getting a park in there and making it usable and beautiful for the city.”
The long-awaited park needs to obtain a few more approvals before it becomes a reality. In addition to the Park District, the Chicago Plan Commission and City Council will review the project. Officials are hopeful to be able to celebrate a ribbon cutting by the summer of 2027.