Making History with the City of Chicago
Jackson Park, located along Lake Michigan on Chicago’s south side, has a celebrated history having been designed by Frederic Law Olmsted and having hosted the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The park’s historic significance is expanding and evolving as the site chosen for the Obama Presidential Center (OPC). We are thrilled to be a part of the Jackson Park story.
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Civiltech Delivers on a Marquee Project
As part of the C*NECT team, Civiltech is providing environmental, transportation design, water resources, landscape architecture, and structural services for the proposed roadway closures and improvements necessary to construct the OPC and implement the Chicago Park District’s South Lakefront Framework Plan.
This Project Incorporates the Following:
- Reconfiguration of transportation network within Jackson Park
- Mobility and safety improvements for all modes of transportation
- Closures of four existing roadways
- Widening of South Lake Shore Drive and Stony Island Avenue
- Reconfiguration of Hayes Drive
- Several intersection reconfigurations
- Four new pedestrian underpasses
- Enhanced trail connections
- Curb extensions and pedestrian refuge islands
- ADA improvements
Scope of Services:
- Environmental and Design Studies
- Environmental Assessments
- Historic Identifications and Evaluations
- Agency Coordination
- Public Outreach
- Drainage Design including Pump Stations
- Landscaping Design
Funding:
- State
At a Glance
Agencies Involved
Consulting Party Groups
Properties Evaluated for Historic Significance
Construction Cost in Millions
Phase I
We are leading the Phase I portion of the project, which consists of extensive environmental studies, effects assessment, and public outreach. Not only is this an extremely high-profile project, it’s also located within parkland on the National Register of Historic Places. This triggers parallel environmental review and permitting processes through the Federal Highway Administration and the National Park Service.
“This project is so complex and multi-layered. There is never a dull moment,” says Mary Young, P.E., PTOE, who is leading the Phase I efforts along with Jen Hyman, P.E. “It’s also exciting to see your project on the front page of the paper. For me though, the most interesting aspect is all the people involved. We’re working with a long list of city, state, and federal agencies. We’re on huge conference calls with environmental attorneys from across the country. And, most importantly, we’re engaging with the community. The opposition groups get headlines, but the people we’re encountering at public meetings are overwhelmingly supportive and proud that their neighborhood was chosen for the site.”
Jen adds, “The storyline and rich history is amazing to me. I’ve learned so much about historic preservation and cultural landscapes. This project has really opened up my experience and given me a huge opportunity to demonstrate what I’m capable of.”
Click on image to view large.
Click on image to view large.
Phase II
A unique aspect of this project is a hyper aggressive schedule, which requires that the Phase II design (preparation of contract plans, specifications, and cost estimates) runs concurrent with the Phase I. Our involvement in the Phase II design is focused on drainage, pump stations, landscaping, structural reviews, and overall quality control. The cost of roadway improvements is estimated at $175 million and will accommodate changes in travel patterns due to road closures and improve bicyclist and pedestrian access and circulation.
“…most importantly, we’re engaging with the community. …the people we’re encountering at public meetings are overwhelmingly supportive and proud that their neighborhood was chosen for the site.”
Mary Young, P.E., PTOE
NEPA Practitioner
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