The Chicago Park District and city officials broke ground on the long-awaited DuSable Park at 451 N Lake Shore Dr. on Tuesday, October 27, according to a release.
The 3.44-acre park is named in honor of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, Chicago’s first historic non-indigenous settler.
The groundbreaking marks a major milestone for a project nearly 40 years in the making.
The site originated from a landfill in the 19th century. Mayor Harold Washington dedicated it as DuSable Park in 1987, and the park district assumed management of the site in 1988.
Once completed, DuSable Park will serve as the endpoint to the eastern branch of the Chicago Riverwalk. Fixed at the junction of the river and Lake Michigan, the site features sweeping views of the waterfront.
The park district plans to transform the site into an open greenspace with walking trails, gathering spaces, and public art.
Real Estate company Related Midwest partnered with the city to bring the vision to life, committing $10 million to cover the majority of construction costs.
Additional funding came from public sources:
- $5 million – City of Chicago Open Space Impact Fee (OSIF) Grant, and a
- $400,000 – Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant from Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter (3rd District)
- $1,000,000 – Chicago Park District.
“DuSable Park will give families, residents and visitors a new green space in which to gather, connect with nature, and make memories for years to come,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.
“This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of so many, and I want to thank the Chicago Park District, community members, and organizations who helped make this day possible.”
Projections estimate the park will be completed by summer of 2028.
