“The long-awaited rebirth of a 120-year-old North Lawndale garden could begin this summer with the restoration of the park’s 100-foot long Mediterranean Revival pergola, according to the project’s advocates.
“Construction drawings are being finalized that will guide the rehabilitation of the historic wooden pergola — a structure that is the key visual feature of the nearly 2-acre sunken garden, built in 1907 by Sears, Roebuck and Company.
“‘It’s the classical centerpiece of [the] garden, and to have that restored is going to be amazing,’ said the Rev. Reshorna Fitzpatrick, chairperson of Friends of Sears Sunken Garden board. ‘It’s something you could see when you’re driving down the street — and it is going to be eye-catching to have it redone.’
“The open-air structure was built in 1907 at 3330 W. Arthington Street, at the heart of what was then the retail goliath’s worldwide headquarters campus. The pergola is composed of 20 classically designed columns set in tandem with a footpath through them and flanked by two Greek Revival porticos. The structure is topped by a red clay tile roof.
“Surrounded by greenery and colorful flowers during the park’s heyday, the pergola was a fine place for Sears workers to enjoy lunch, catch a summer breeze, or listen to the musical entertainment provided by the company.
“Funded by a $1 million grant from the Richard Driehaus Foundation, the pergola restoration is the initial step in a $7 million plan to revive the whole garden.
“But more importantly, the residents of North Lawndale and the greater West Side who have spent years championing for the garden deserve this improved urban oasis and whatever benefit and credit that comes along with it.
“It’s just a beautiful space,” said Fitzpatrick, who is also executive pastor of Stone Temple Church, an architectural and historical landmark at 3622 W. Douglas Blvd.” (Bey, Chicago Sun-Times, 4/15/25)