Saving Promontory Point (Again)- Landmarking to the Rescue?

Saving Promontory Point – Landmarking to the Rescue?

By Jack Spicer, HPHS Preservation Committee Chair

This past fall, Preservation Chicago, the local preservation organization, suggested to the Commission on Chicago Landmarks that the South Side's beloved Promontory Point be declared a Chicago landmark. Alderman 5th Ward Leslie Hairston, long-time supporter of preservation at the Point, then endorsed the idea. And now 13th District State Senator Robert Peters has thrown his considerable influence behind the effort.

What difference would it make if Promontory Point were a Chicago City-Landmark? A big difference. If the Point were City-landmarked, then the historic limestone step revetment wouldn't be demolished – even by its owner the Chicago Park District. Major repairs would be made where needed, and design changes would be done to make better access for all, even to the water (ADA compliance). Repairs and changes would have to be harmonious with the historic character of the Point. And that would mean no demolition of the limestone revetment and no new concrete and steel construction as seen along the rest of the Chicago lakefront. The protections guaranteed by City-landmarking are what the community has been advocating for over twenty years now.

With their hands tied to prevent demolition, the government agencies involved would then turn their considerable attention and talents to doing the right thing to preserve the Point. We know from independent studies conducted by the community 2002-2006 that the limestone revetment can be restored and repaired. We know that the limestone is durable; it's already lasted eighty-three years. And we know that preservation can be done at a reasonable cost, probably even cheaper than concrete. As Senator Peters says in his letter to the Landmarks Commission:

“Landmarking would provide a framework for the Park District, the City and the community to work together harmoniously to find the best ways to rehabilitate the Point and enhance its diversity, accessibility, affordability, and durability. This would be an outcome that all parties could be proud of.” 

The Point is enjoyed and loved year-round by people from all over Chicago, not just from Hyde Park and the South Side. It's beautiful, peaceful and safe. It's time to landmark and restore the Point.

The Promontory Point Conservancy's Parallel Process

Although the government agencies are delayed and awaiting funding, Promontory Point Conservancy (PPC) is beginning its parallel process much as it did back in 2002-2006. PPC strongly believes we already have a tried-and-true design for Promontory Point's revetment: stepped, stone, limestone revetment. What we need is a plan for rehabilitation and repair of the existing limestone revetment. We are seeking funds to cover:

an independent condition report and preservation engineering study;an open and inclusive community engagement process; andour strong and effective legal strategy

We will very soon be raising money to hire our own marine engineering firm with preservation experiences to:

conduct a current condition study of the revetmentupdate and evaluate the Galvin-Kalven studies, 2002-2004initiate an engineering design study for rehabilitation and repair of the historic limestone revetment per Secretary of Interior Guidelines for Preservationdevelop a creative adaptation for ADA complianceestimate reliable maintenance costs for a restored limestone revetment over the next 80-year life of the limestone revetmentdetermine cost-benefit analysis for a preservation approach

We want to hear from and listen to the community. So, we will hire a reputable community engagement firm to ensure an open and inclusive conversation with the community to complement the national/international marine engineering study. The Point continues to be a unique sanctuary in the City that draws people from all over the South Side and the wider City to swim and hang out safely in its natural beauty all year round. Capturing who enjoys the Point and why informs good design work and outcomes at the Point, and contributes to social, economic and environmental justice in the City. Needless to say, we want our marine engineers at the table with the USACE, CDOT and CPS. We seek collaboration and cooperation, and strive for a legal and credible preservation approach adopted by the partner government agencies. To fund this parallel process, PPC will very soon be reaching out for large and small donations. PPC is beginning to approach preservation-favorable foundations and are still researching preservation grants for non-governmental organizations. PPC will be asking for your financial support soon.