Location
Chinatown, Chicago, IL
Client
Chicago Park District
Sector
Urban Design & Planning
Team
AECOM, CDM, Drucker Zajdel, Environmental Systems Design, Inc., Galloway, Ltd., Johnson & Lee Architects, Ltd., Knight E/A, Matrix Engineering, MWH, Pioneer EES, R.M. Chin & Associates, Schroeder Murchie Laya Associates, Ltd., TERRA Engineering Ltd., Water Technology, Inc., Wight & Co.; Videography by Brodie Kerst Productions
Ping Tom Memorial Park is a shining example of the transformation of vacant open space within the City of Chicago. Situated along the Chicago River near the 18th Street Bridge, the 7-acre historic railroad site was acquired by the Chicago Park District in 2002, and subsequently transformed into a vibrant anchor of the Chinese Community. The first phase of park includes traditional Chinese gardens, a playground, pavilion, and rolling green space overlooking the Chicago River. The second phase is a 5-acre expansion that includes a naturalized shoreline, community plaza anchored with concrete terraces cascading into the water, and a 300 linear foot boardwalk with iconic red Chinese ornamental railings that float above the river. The most recent additions - a Boathouse and Fieldhouse – create a much needed connection between the first two phases of improvement and provide new recreational opportunities, access to the Chicago River, and a unique and functional landscape that draws from traditional Chinese garden imagery. Through continued development, this unique park continues to serve as a symbolic cultural destination for Chicagoans.
Awards:
2020 Illinois ASLA President's Award for Communications
2014 Illinois ASLA Merit Award for Design (Boathouse)
2014 Friends of the Chicago River Blue Ribbon Award (Boathouse)
2014 Friends of the Chicago River Silver Ribbon Award (Fieldhouse)
2014 ACEC Illinois Engineering Excellence Award (Boathouse)
2014 AIA Chicago Honor Award for Small Projects (Boathouse)
2014 Chicago Building Congress Merit Award Finalist (Fieldhouse)
2014 Chicago Association of Realtors Bruce Abrams Good Neighbor Award, Commercial New Construction (Fieldhouse)
2014 Engineering News Record - Midwest Merit Award (Fieldhouse)
2000 Illinois ASLA Honor Award
2000 Driehaus Foundation Chicago Neighborhood Development Award
2000 Friends of Downtown Best Open Space Award