Promontory Point: now a Chicago Landmark! The Chicago City Council voted Promontory Point a Chicago Landmark on April 19, 2023! Read the 537 letters of support from Point lovers here. Read the Chicago Landmark Designation Report here. Promontory Point was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 19, 2018.
The National Register of Historic Places
In 2017, the Promontory Point Conservancy (formerly Save The Point) applied for a U.S. National Register of Historic Places listing for Promontory Point. More than 80,000 significant historic sites across the nation are honored on the Register. We felt the Point was worthy of this designation for its historic features such as the unique limestone, step-stone revetment, the Caldwell Council Rings and landscaping. The Conservancy raised funds needed for the preparation of the National Register application and, once awarded, for the plaque in a limestone block and its location on the east side of the Point.
In September of 2017, the application was reviewed by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks where it passed unanimously. The nomination then went to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency in Springfield in October 2017 where it was unanimously approved and passed on to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service. On January 19, 2018 Promontory Point Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Register listing highlights the Point’s limestone revetment that meets Lake Michigan, its Alfred Caldwell designed landscape, and its long history as an open and safe place for all to meet, mingle, swim, sit, stroll and play. This listing on the National Register honors the Point’s history, beauty and diversity. It also helps preserve the Point for future generations.
Although protection of the Point's historic features is not guaranteed, any proposed construction projects at the Point that involve federal money or federal permits will need to demonstrate that construction will not have an adverse effect on the historic character of the Point before work begins. In September 2021, Promontory Point was suggested for City Landmark status from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks (and received this status in 2023).
In September of 2017, the application was reviewed by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks where it passed unanimously. The nomination then went to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency in Springfield in October 2017 where it was unanimously approved and passed on to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service. On January 19, 2018 Promontory Point Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Register listing highlights the Point’s limestone revetment that meets Lake Michigan, its Alfred Caldwell designed landscape, and its long history as an open and safe place for all to meet, mingle, swim, sit, stroll and play. This listing on the National Register honors the Point’s history, beauty and diversity. It also helps preserve the Point for future generations.
Although protection of the Point's historic features is not guaranteed, any proposed construction projects at the Point that involve federal money or federal permits will need to demonstrate that construction will not have an adverse effect on the historic character of the Point before work begins. In September 2021, Promontory Point was suggested for City Landmark status from the Commission on Chicago Landmarks (and received this status in 2023).
Photo credit: David Schalliol