The long-neglected Burnham Building in Chicago's Jackson Park is finally set to receive the restoration it deserves, thanks to a top-to-bottom makeover by the Chicago Park District. The century-old temple-like structure, designed by renowned architect Daniel H. Burnham, has been in disrepair for years and was even damaged in 2021 when an SUV driver accidentally rammed into it.
The cost of the project is estimated to be "a few million" dollars, with $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development covering part of the expense. The rest will be covered by park district capital improvement bonds. Restoration work includes a restored aggregate concrete exterior, historically accurate windows, and a new Spanish clay tile roof.
In addition to the physical restoration, efforts are also being made to improve accessibility and safety around the building. An ADA-accessible pathway is planned, as well as bollards along Marquette Drive to prevent cars from damaging the structure. Workers will also unearth and restore a monumental stairway that has been lost for years on the building's west side.
The project is seen as an important step in preserving Jackson Park, which suffers from decades of chronic underinvestment. The park itself remains a beloved jewel due to its lakeside location and masterful design by Frederick Law Olmsted, but it will become even more apparent come June when the $850 million Obama Presidential Center opens on 20 acres at the park's north edge.
While the restoration of the Burnham Building is a significant improvement, there are still many other historic infrastructure projects that need attention in Jackson Park. The Clarence Darrow Bridge, built for the 1893 World's Fair and currently off-limits to the public due to its structural unsafety, is just one example.
The cost of the project is estimated to be "a few million" dollars, with $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development covering part of the expense. The rest will be covered by park district capital improvement bonds. Restoration work includes a restored aggregate concrete exterior, historically accurate windows, and a new Spanish clay tile roof.
In addition to the physical restoration, efforts are also being made to improve accessibility and safety around the building. An ADA-accessible pathway is planned, as well as bollards along Marquette Drive to prevent cars from damaging the structure. Workers will also unearth and restore a monumental stairway that has been lost for years on the building's west side.
The project is seen as an important step in preserving Jackson Park, which suffers from decades of chronic underinvestment. The park itself remains a beloved jewel due to its lakeside location and masterful design by Frederick Law Olmsted, but it will become even more apparent come June when the $850 million Obama Presidential Center opens on 20 acres at the park's north edge.
While the restoration of the Burnham Building is a significant improvement, there are still many other historic infrastructure projects that need attention in Jackson Park. The Clarence Darrow Bridge, built for the 1893 World's Fair and currently off-limits to the public due to its structural unsafety, is just one example.
! As a parent who loves exploring city parks with my kids, it breaks my heart to see these beautiful gems falling into disrepair 
. The thought of having an accessible and safe pathway around the building is just amazing 
- I can already imagine my little ones being able to run around and play near this incredible piece of history 
! And let's be real, who doesn't love a good stairway restoration 
? It just goes to show that even small investments can make a huge impact on preserving our amazing city's treasures 
. Now, I'm hoping the Obama Presidential Center will bring more attention and funding to other neglected infrastructure projects like the Clarence Darrow Bridge 
- fingers crossed for the future of Jackson Park! 
. A few million bucks isn't exactly cheap, but like, what's a few million when you're saving the future of Chicago's Jackson Park? 
Still, can we talk about the bigger picture here? It's not just about one building, it's about the whole park being neglected for decades 
Can't we focus on fixing all the infrastructure problems at once? 
! It's been looking super neglected in Jackson Park for ages, but now it's finally getting the TLC it deserves 
. $500k from HUD and the rest from bonds will cover most of the "a few million" cost, which is pretty cool. The new roof, windows, and pathway are going to be a major win 
. It's also awesome that they're focusing on safety and accessibility - the monument stairway was lost for years, so this is a great addition 
. Now we can't wait for the Obama Presidential Center to open in June and see how the whole park is looking 
. Let's hope they don't forget about other historic projects like the Clarence Darrow Bridge... that one still needs some major work 
.
Can you believe it? Burnham Building gets a major facelift! 
Estimated cost is like $2-3 million (not a few million tho 
) but still impressive considering it's been neglected for years. And let's talk about accessibility - adding an ADA pathway and bollards will make the building way more inclusive. 
mind blown! 
The guy was a genius! 
I'm beyond stoked to see the Burnham Building getting the love it deserves! It's crazy to think about how neglected this beauty was for so long 
. The fact that we're finally giving it some TLC and attention is a major win in my book 
. The Obama Presidential Center is going to bring so much more attention to the area, and I'm hyped to see how it'll elevate the park even further 
.
. But hey, progress is slow but sure 
. For now, let's just bask in the glory of our Burnham Building being restored to its former glory 
. The fact that the city is putting in a few million dollars into its restoration is like, totally worth it - I mean, think about all the amazing things they're fixing up: aggregate concrete exterior, historically accurate windows, new Spanish clay tile roof... 
! I mean, can you imagine walking past that beautiful structure all these years and thinking it's just gonna crumble? The fact they're putting in a new roof, fixing up the windows, and making the whole area safer is huge 
. And yeah, $500k from HUD is a nice bonus, but let's be real, the real question is how are they gonna pay for all these other projects that need love too? The Clarence Darrow Bridge has been off-limits for years... what's the plan there? 
and damaged in 2021 
. but i'm so stoked to see the chicago park district taking care of it 
. and can we talk about how awesome it is that they're improving accessibility and safety too 
!
I'm so stoked to see the Burnham Building getting the love it deserves! 
but yeah, there are still some other historic projects in jackson park that need love 
. But I'm really glad they're not only restoring the building but also making it safer and more accessible for everyone. An ADA-accessible pathway and bollards? That's just genius! 
Maybe they can get some funding together and restore it too? A girl can dream, right? 
... like, what about the Clarence Darrow Bridge? That thing is literally falling apart and no one's doing anything about it 
... but on the other hand, I guess it's great that they're trying to make the Burnham Building shine again 
Come on, Chicago, get it together!
$500k from HUD is a good start tho 
like the Clarence Darrow Bridge for instance... it's just not fair that people can't even access it right now 
what do you guys think about the Obama Presidential Center coming to park? is it gonna change the vibe of the whole area or are we just getting more of the same old thing 
. Can't wait to see the Obama Presidential Center opening up in June 
... but let's not forget about the other neglected gems in Jackson Park 
.
. The Clarence Darrow Bridge is a huge example of this – it's been off-limits to the public for years because of structural issues 
the burnham building is finally getting the love it deserves after years of neglect! 
, but u gotta feel for the clarence darrow bridge too