Architect:

Loewenberg & Associates, Inc.

Engineers:

A. Epstein & Sons, Int’l., Inc., GFGR, Inc.

Contractors:

McHugh Riteway Joint Venture,
Countryside Industries, Inc.

Other Consultants:

Fountain Technologies, Ltd.

Category:

Public Constructed Project

Lakeshore East is one of the largest and most significant urban infill projects in the United States. The 28-acre development (east of Michigan Avenue and south of Wacker Drive) creates a new urban neighborhood that combines residential, hotel, office, commercial and mixed use development around a dynamic new public park. This new public space includes passive water promenades, a dog park, a playground, a great lawn, gardens, lighting and a variety of seating options.

In creating the 5.3 acre park, the landscape architect worked closely with the owner/developer to craft drawings from the Lakeshore East Master Plan and Design Guidelines, completed in 2001. The architect also addressed details such as accessibility, material selection, screening solutions and other treatments. Additionally, the landscape architect was involved with community presentations, City permits and construction administration.

Grade change is a significant site feature with an approximate 40 foot drop over the 340 feet between Randolph Street and the park’s northern edge. Capitalizing on this feature, the grand staircase at the park’s south entry creates an overlook terrace with panoramic views into the park. The two main sweeping paths are sister terraces highlighted by a series of expanding pools. Additional terraced walks traverse the site and define major park spaces and features. The central green lawn, intended for both passive and active users, organizes the park’s many more intimate spaces.

In addition to other traditional park features such as a playground and dog park, the site is a Wi-Fi hot spot. The Park at Lakeshore East provides diverse and flexible spaces that accommodate a wide range of neighborhood needs in this growing area in the heart of downtown Chicago.