Chicago Park District

An anchor of the Near North Side, this elevated park and multi-purpose bicycle trail involved the conversion of the 2.7-mile Bloomingdale rail embankment into a counterpart to New York City’s High Line and Seoul’s Skygarden.  The project included the design of two new parks (Park #512 and Kimball Avenue Park); the rehabilitation of 38 viaduct structures; the replacement of 2 viaduct structures; repairs to 37 embankment segments; and the construction of up to 13 ADA accessible access points.  Elements of The 606 (named for the “606” zip code prefix that all Chicagoans share) include landscaping with native, sustainable plantings, ornamental and security lighting, gateway features, benches, kiosks, and artwork.

The 47,000 SF renovation of the existing armory building was intended to create spaces for various recreational programs, including ice skating, roller skating, tennis, basketball as well as educational programs such as pre-school classes, performing arts, and photography.  The focus of the project was to upgrade the HVAC system while improving interior finishes of the key rooms including the gymnasium, lobby, and multi-purpose rooms.

The landscape design of the Morgan Shoal area within Chicago’s Burnham Park (4500 to 5100 S. Lake Shore Drive) involved the preservation of Morgan Shoal features and the creation of new park land with natural, ecological and recreational elements such as access to the water for swimming and fishing from the park; a fish spawning ground; a habitat area for birds; and erosion protection along the shoreline.  This project is one portion of the Chicago Park District’s Lake Michigan Shoreline Improvement Project.

We provided ADA consulting services for 34 parks throughout the City of Chicago.  Our work involved the complete accessibility assessment and physical inspection of parks throughout the city, including park facilities, systems, and site amenities.  The parks included Avalon Park, Dvorak Park, Horner Park, Kosciuszko Park, Palmer Park, and Vittum Park.

CCS was involved in the conservation and restoration of the Clarence Buckingham Fountain, a historical landmark maintained by the Chicago Park District. The scope of work included conducting detailed investigations and condition evaluations for the rehabilitation of the fountain structure, its sculpture and component materials, as well as the plumbing, electrical, and lighting.

We performed a Feasibility study for the development of the Chicago Riverwalk, a continuous promenade along the South Bank of the Chicago River from Lake Shore Drive to Lake Street which provides an active link between the Chicago Loop, the lakefront, and Navy Pier. The development showcased environmentally friendly building techniques that complement the Chicago River as a valuable natural resource.

CCS was involved in the 34,128 SF 2-story renovation of the existing community center. Work involved renovation of the existing community center. Work involves renovations to various spaces including the gymnasium, boxing room, dance room, game room, meeting room, lockers, and fitness area. The project also includes accessibility upgrades and improvements to entrances, restrooms, and corridors.

CCS led the construction of a 9,495 SF environmental center at the 278-acre Big Marsh Bike Park, that will celebrate the region’s environmental, cultural and recreational assets.  The indoor space will consist of a large multi-purpose classroom/ community room, lobby/reception/ display, bike repair/co-op space, concession space, office support, public restrooms, kitchenette, and storage.

Construction of four new visitor service pavilions offering restrooms and refreshments. At 7,000 SF each, the pavilions were symmetrically placed in the quadrants created by the fountain’s axes to preserve original views of the city, park, and lake. Features include translucent glass canopies that fan out like the waters of Buckingham Fountain.

28,065 SF rehabilitation of existing facility. The north portion of the Center is occupied by the YWCA and the southern portion, occupied by the Chicago Park District, includes a gymnasium, auditorium, locker/shower facilities, and a pool.

CCS was involved in the historic renovation of a 1917, 79,600 SF 2-story structure. The work included new plumbing, roof replacement, replication of light fixtures, exterior sitework, ADA compliance, new electrical, gas, water, and sewer service.

Located close to Lake Michigan, the Maggie Daley Park is a lush green, spacious expanse named after the former first lady of Chicago. The park was built atop the existing underground East Monroe Parking Garage and creates a single continuous public park in downtown Chicago, unifying Daley Bicentennial Plaza, the Cancer Survivors Garden, and Peanut Park.  The park features a flowing, grassy landscape of hills and valleys designed to reduce road noise and improve views, scattered with play structures and climbing walls for guests to truly interact with, including an “ice skating ribbon”, a meandering river that winds around a big section of the park.  CCS was involved in repairs and rehabilitation of the existing 13,525 SF Field House with a focus on expanding the viability of spaces within the building for the increased public use anticipated.  Work included reconfiguration of the public, office, and concession space to support the rock climbing and skating programming; new interior finishes throughout the facility; rehabilitation of the building’s HVAC system; replacement of the aluminum-framed storefront and building entry doors; and repair to the exterior concrete facade and block walls.

Renovation of .75 acres of land for a new park including a playground, basketball court, and a landscaped area with a gazebo.  The new “Blue Park” will feature a track around the perimeter for bike riding and races, increased tables/seating areas, and an update of all landscaping.

Creation of a championship-level golf course that capitalizes on the location along the lakeshore and provides panoramic views of the lake and skyline. Encompassing 46.5 acres, the course will feature five reconfigured holes, concessions/support in a new beach house, event/tournament accommodations, a continuous cart path, and an on-site maintenance facility.

CCS was involved in a new 10,244 SF facility for the Chicago Park District that includes a large half-court gymnasium, fitness and club rooms, locker rooms, and an administrative office.