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The 6-acre The Park at Lakeshore East is a part of the eponymous development in the eastern portion of Chicago's Loop.
The park is open to the public. Chicago officials dedicated it on July 16.
The park features a blend of stairway terraces, sidewalks, green spaces, water elements, gardens and seating to encourage visits and gatherings. At night the park is illuminated to highlight the pathway patterns, staircase and waters.
Special areas include a children's playground, an enclosed dog park and an open meadow. In addition to relaxing, strolling, picnicking, playing with the kids or walking the dog, visitors can also work on their computers in the park. Free wireless broadband Internet access was provided, so anyone can go online in the park.
In the designing process, the developers placed importance on fulfilling the potential of the location with a park that reflects Chicago's motto, "City in a Garden."
Getting Permits
A number of permits were needed for work to go forward. Team members worked simultaneously to obtain the permits from city agencies that included the Department of Transportation, the Park District, the Department of Planning and the Department of Water Management.
Another concern was coordination with adjacent construction. The park construction occurred at about the same time as the building of the Lancaster and Shoreham condominiums, which are part of the same development.
This triggered the need to protect the site and access routes. Communication among all the parties was frequent.
The developers sat down with neighboring condominium boards and community organizations to discuss their goals and expectations for the park space.
Access and easement were needed to provide a connection for vehicles and pedestrians from the upper level of Randolph Street to the roadway in the development.
Due to a 30-ft. grade change, the bridge was constructed with a 5 percent grade that provided two lanes of traffic for both the north and south direction. Aligning both sides of the bridge, sidewalks, trees and planters provided access for pedestrians. The staircase was also constructed for access to the park.
The jury said, "Lakeshore East is a pop-up neighborhood. We like the park because it softens the hard edges of city life."
Key Players
Developers:
Magellan Development Group Ltd. and NNP Residential & Development, Chicago
General Contractor:
James McHugh Construction Co., Chicago
Architect:
The Office of James Burnett, Houston, and Site Design Group, Chicago
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