“The Little Village Arch, serving as a gateway for the neighborhood dubbed the ‘Mexican capital of the Midwest,” has been newly restored.

“Community members and city officials gathered underneath the city landmark in Little Village for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday to celebrate the restoration, which included fixing the archway’s clock that was infamous for not having the correct time.

“‘This is just the beginning,’ said Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward). ‘I think of many better days to come for support and investment to our community, to recognize the valuable and important contributions of our Mexican and Mexican American communities here in the city of Chicago.’

“The Chicago Department of Transportation undertook a $1.25 million, TIF-funded project to restore the archway following its designation as an official city landmark in 2022.

“The project included replacing missing or damaged stone with materials of similar quality, installing a new iron grille, repairing existing tiles on the roof, replacing all stucco, installing new light fixtures and more, according to CDOT spokesperson Erica Schroeder.

“Standing above the 26th Street business corridor, the Little Village Arch was built in 1990 by Mexican American Vietnam War veterans Ronald Baltierra and David Ramirez and was designed by Mexican architect Adrián Lozan.

“The iconic archway clock was gifted to Chicago by the Mexican government in 1991.

“‘I put my heart, my soul — everything into it — when I had the opportunity to build this,’ Baltierra said. “Even though I was born and bred in America … it meant so much for me to build something like this, knowing that that’s where my heritage is.’

“In the building of the archway from around 1988-1989, Ramirez said he and Baltierra worked with and discussed plans with the architect, then-alderman Jesús ‘Chuy’ García, the city of Chicago and the Little Village Chamber of Commerce.” (Alpasan, WTTW Chicago, 9/11/24)

Preservation Chicago worked closely with community members and stakeholders evey step of the way to designate the Little Village Arch as a Chicago Landmark. This was essential for recognizing the importance of this cherished neighborhood element and cultural icon. Landmark designation was also a critical step for unlocking much needed restoration funding.

Read the full story at WTTW Chicago

• Community Members, City Officials Gather to Celebrate Restoration of Little Village Arch, Eunice Alpasan, WTTW Chicago, 9/11/24
• Little Village Arch unveiled after $1.25 million renovation; The restoration, which took nearly a year to complete, means the landmark gateway is ready for the annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade this weekend, Stefano Esposito, Chicago Sun-Times, 9/11/24
• ‘A piece of Mexico in Chicago’: The Little Village arch, now a landmark in Chicago, is restored, Laura Rodriguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 9/11/24