The Promontory Point Conservancy shares studies advocating for the preservation of historic limestone steps instead of concrete replacements
Chicago: The Promontory Point Conservancy just released three studies showing that the limestone revetment at Promontory Point can be saved and fixed instead of being replaced with concrete.
This spot is a beloved hangout for many in Hyde Park and has been around for over 85 years. The community has been in talks with the city and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about whether to keep the historic limestone steps that protect the area from Lake Michigan’s waves or to go for a concrete solution.
McLaren Engineering Group did a coastal vulnerability analysis and looked at design options. Another study by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates focused on how to preserve the historical aspects of the structure.
Ben Komita, a coastal engineer at McLaren, mentioned that while they provided ideas, they didn’t have specific instructions. They used a dive team and drones to create a 3D model of the revetment. The study found that the north and east sides of Promontory Point are the most at risk. With some repairs and resetting of limestone blocks, the steps could be in good shape again.
Komita said, “We can protect the shoreline now and in the future while respecting the historic structure and community ties to the point.”
Jack Spicer, director of the conservancy, noted they’ve raised about $500,000 mostly from small donations to support the preservation efforts. Two studies were funded by these donations, while the third got a grant.
Spicer explained, “We needed to show how the revetment can protect the park from erosion, and that’s what the vulnerability report did.”
Despite some disagreements with the city, local officials like Ald. Desmon Yancy and state Sen. Robert Peters have backed the effort to save the limestone.
Peters said, “The community has done an amazing job organizing to protect and save the point. It’s a key part of Chicago’s history.”
Mike Padilla, a senior project manager for the Army Corps, mentioned they’re working on a memorandum with the Illinois Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to guide the future design of Promontory Point. This will involve public discussions before finalizing any plans.
Padilla emphasized their commitment to preserving the limestone but admitted they haven’t started the design process yet, making it hard to say what will happen.
He hopes they can reach an agreement that reflects public input while maintaining the historic character of the point. He also noted that there’s a lot of misinformation about plans for concrete and steel, stating, “We have no plan.”
Promontory Point was designated a historic landmark in April 2023.
The Historic Structures Report suggests that rehabilitation is the best way to treat the revetment, focusing on preserving its original character while improving access.
The Chicago Park District is committed to this preservation effort, according to spokesperson Michele Lemons, who said they’ll work with the community and other stakeholders throughout the process.
In their design study, McLaren proposed five options, with costs ranging from $13.7 million to $62.3 million. They also estimated that a city and Army Corps plan focusing on concrete would cost around $100 million.
Komita clarified that these estimates cover basic material costs and production rates, emphasizing that their reports are not final designs but highlight that concrete isn’t the only solution.
He pointed out that the studies might explore options that the city and Army Corps haven’t fully considered due to time constraints.
Spicer hopes to use local officials’ support to ensure the community’s needs are met in the negotiations. He mentioned that their last meeting with the Army Corps didn’t go well, with their proposals being completely different.
Ezra Maille is a freelancer.
