Construction workers at O’Hare International Airport recently encountered an unexpected surprise amidst the ongoing ORDNext modernization project—a 50-ton boulder.
Now, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is asking for the public’s help in naming the massive rock formation, ahead of an on-site exhibition.
Here are all the wacky details and where you can cast your vote.
O’Hare Rock the Runway contest
Crews were excavating O’Hare’s South Detention Basin last month in preparation for the build-out of the new concourses D and E.
It was during this dig they unearthed a massive 7.5-foot-tall, 11.5 feet wide boulder, 30 feet below ground.
The staggering stone was quickly identified by professional geologists as a dolostone, a form of sedimentary rock made from carbonate materials, primarily the mineral dolomite.
Initially dubbed the “O’Hare Bean,” officials opened a contest on September 9 to determine a permanent name for the robust rock, seeking 6 finalist names.
After receiving nearly 3,000 submissions, the finalists have been chosen, and the CDA needs your help selecting the winning moniker.
Here are the finalists:
- Sweet Stone Chicago
- No ORDinary Rock
- Chicago Rocks
- O’Rock
- Orchard Rock
- Da Rock
Once a name is chosen, the boulder will be exhibited on-site at O’Hare’s Multi-Modal Facility (10255 W Zemke Blvd.)
“Chicagoans have always had a special way of putting our own stamp on the places and things that make this city special,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson.
“This contest is a fun opportunity to bring that same creativity and the spirit of Chicago to O’Hare while making this unexpected discovery part of O’Hare’s story for years to come. I can’t wait to see which name Chicago chooses to rock with.”
Where to vote
Chicagoans can vote for which boulder name they think should “rock the runway” now through Monday, November 2.
Click here to cast your vote!
