“To support the preservation of Promontory Point, a historic landmark in Burnham Park, State Senator Robert Peters passed a resolution which aims to restore and protect the Point’s historic limestone retaining wall while ensuring public access and ecological sustainability.

“Promontory Point is a valued piece of Chicago’s history and an important public space for residents and visitors alike,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This resolution reflects our commitment to preserving its character while addressing shoreline erosion in a way that respects the community’s voice.”

“Promontory Point is a 40-acre, man-made peninsula located at the south end of Burnham Park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018 and designated a Chicago landmark in 2023, the Point has long been at the center of preservation conversations. A 2002 proposal from the city of Chicago and the Chicago Park District sought to replace its historic limestone components with concrete and stone, sparking community opposition.

“The Community Preservation Plan prioritizes repairing and retaining the limestone line with federal preservation standards, minimizing concrete use and integrating sustainable solutions. The plan also ensures ADA accessibility and avoids drastic measures like tree removal or prolonged park closure.

“This is about more than protecting a landmark – it’s about honoring the community’s dedication to protecting the Point for future generations,” said Peters. “The Community Preservation Plan sends a clear message that preservation and progress can go hand in hand.”

“The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 891 on Thursday.” (Illinois Senate Democrats, 11/21/24)

“‘It’s a Chicago treasure,’ says Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, who grew up wading in the lake, jumping on the limestone, and lounging in the sun with his dog. ‘It’s one of the last vestiges of stonework and easy access into the water. I think it’s kind of legendary.’ (Lane, Chicago Reader, 3/20/24)

Read the full statement at Illinois Senate Democrats

• Peters resolution supports Community Preservation Plan for Promontory Point in Burnham Park, Illinois Senate Democrats Press Release, 11/21/24
• Promontory Point Conservancy nabs big grant for engineering study; Roadblock to Army Corps planning efforts lifts, Marc C. Monaghan, Hyde Park Herald, 7/23/24
• Preservationist-Backed Study Finds Promontory Point Rock Wall is Good for Another 100 Years as Efforts Continue to Fight Off Demolition, Patty Wetli, WTTW Chicago, 4/4/24
• Promontory Point’s Limestone Is Still Protecting The Lakefront And Can Be Preserved, Advocates’ Study Finds; The Point needs a rehab, but that can be done using many of the existing limestone blocks — and without a drastic, costly overhaul, coastal engineers found, Maxwell Evans, Block Club Chicago, 4/8/24
• Promontory Point Landmark Designation Report, March 9, 2023