April, 2021 – Demolition of the Vault area has been completed, and preparation for the installation of the new design has begun. The Vault area is where the historical documents for the City of Chicago are stored. Property Development work has also begun, including the excavation of a 13,000 pound metal relic from the Chicago Fire of 1871. The relic will be cleaned and then returned to the Park as part of the new Jaffee History Trail.
The project, scheduled to finish in the Fall of 2021, is a major renovation and property development project. Included is the development of an outdoor, educational trail, a renovation to the Museum’s back plaza, and an interior renovation of the vault where the City’s historical collection is kept. The beautification project will weather-proof the half-moon-shaped plaza and improve the surrounding parkland with an interactive history trail.
The extensive interior renovation of the vault will consist of architectural, mechanical, electrical, fire suppression, lighting, and compact storage upgrades. Environmental controls will be added to help preserve the integrity of the historical collection.
Among the new locations will be a native species garden. The History Trail will incorporate the park’s existing pathways, and a path will be added that loops around the entire parkland. With these changes, the plaza will connect more seamlessly to the surrounding area.
