Chicago's Long-Awaited DuSable Park Is Finally Under Construction. Here's What's Coming to the Lakefront

Rendering of DuSable Park by Ross Barney and Brook Architecture

STREETERVILLE, CHICAGO—After nearly four decades of waiting, one of Chicago's most anticipated lakefront parks is finally becoming a reality.

The Chicago Park District officially broke ground on DuSable Park on October 27, 2026, beginning construction on a 3.44-acre public green space at 451 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, where the Chicago River meets Lake Michigan.

The approximately $15 million project will transform a long-vacant peninsula into a waterfront destination with walking paths, native landscaping, a boardwalk, public art and gathering spaces.

Located beside the ongoing 400 Lake Shore Drive development, the park is targeting completion in summer 2028.

For Downtown Chicago residents, the project represents a long-awaited addition to the city's public lakefront and could make it easier to walk between the Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail.

What's Planned for the New DuSable Park?

Designed by a team led by Ross Barney Architects, the park will transform the previously unused waterfront site into an accessible public space.

Plans include:

Waterfront boardwalk: A walking path along the edge of Lake Michigan with views of the water and surrounding skyline.
Open lawn: Green space for relaxing, walking and informal gatherings.
Woodland and wet prairie: Native landscaping designed to reflect the area's natural environment.
Scenic overlook: An elevated area offering views of the Chicago River and lakefront.
Public plazas: Gathering spaces connecting the park's walking paths and recreational areas.
Sculptural pavilion: A structure inspired by the shape of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable's original cabin.

The park will also feature educational installations honoring Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, Chicago's first permanent non-Indigenous settler, and his wife, Kitihawa.

A planned sculpture by artist Branly Cadet, developed with architect Rodney Leon, will recognize DuSable's contributions to the city's early history.

Additional public art and interpretive exhibits will highlight the Indigenous communities whose history predates Chicago's founding.

Together, these features will make the park both a recreational destination and a place to learn about the city's origins.

How Will DuSable Park Connect to the Chicago Riverwalk?

One of the project's most important features is improved public access.

DuSable Park occupies a narrow peninsula east of DuSable Lake Shore Drive, near the mouth of the Chicago River.

Although the location offers unusual views of the river and lake, the land has remained largely inaccessible for decades.

The new design will connect the park to existing waterfront routes through improved pedestrian pathways and a planned extension of the Chicago Riverwalk called Founders Way.

That connection is being developed alongside 400 Lake Shore Drive, Related Midwest's two-tower residential project near the former Chicago Spire site.

The broader redevelopment is expected to provide approximately 4.5 acres of publicly accessible open space, including DuSable Park and additional public areas associated with the residential towers.

Once the improvements are completed, visitors will have more opportunities to travel between the Riverwalk, Lakefront Trail and waterfront gathering spaces.

For Streeterville residents, that could mean new walking routes and another nearby outdoor destination without leaving Downtown.

Why Did DuSable Park Take Nearly 40 Years to Build?

The park's history stretches back to 1987, when Mayor Harold Washington dedicated the waterfront site in honor of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable.

Despite its prominent location, the land remained undeveloped for decades.

The site had previously been used for industrial purposes, creating environmental concerns that complicated redevelopment.

The Chicago Park District completed a major environmental remediation project in 2021, helping prepare the property for future public use.

The park's progress was also tied to changing development plans nearby, including the Chicago Spire project that stalled during the 2008 financial crisis.

Now, funding and coordination with the adjacent 400 Lake Shore Drive project have helped move the long-delayed park forward.

The approximately $15 million project includes $10 million from Related Midwest and $5 million in city Open Space Impact Fee funding.

After years of planning, design revisions and public discussions, construction has finally begun.

When Will DuSable Park Open?

Construction is underway following the October 27 groundbreaking, with the Chicago Park District targeting summer 2028 for completion.

The project is expected to take approximately 18 months, although the schedule could change as work progresses.

Upcoming milestones include landscaping, construction of pedestrian connections, installation of public art and completion of the waterfront amenities.

The adjoining Founders Way extension will also need to advance as part of the coordinated 400 Lake Shore Drive redevelopment.

For now, the peninsula remains an active development site rather than an open public park.

After nearly 40 years of planning, however, Chicago is closer to delivering a new green space at one of its most prominent waterfront locations.

Explore Homes Near Chicago's Lakefront and Downtown Neighborhoods

DuSable Park's groundbreaking highlights how Chicago continues to expand its public spaces and improve connections between established neighborhoods.

For buyers and relocation clients considering Streeterville, River North, South Loop or the surrounding Downtown area, nearby parks, transportation and neighborhood amenities are important parts of choosing where to live.

The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier helps buyers, sellers and renters navigate Chicago's housing market with local neighborhood expertise and personalized guidance.

Considering a move closer to Chicago's lakefront? Connect with our team to explore available homes and compare Downtown neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and budget.

Stay Connected

Ranked among the top 1% of real estate teams in the Chicagoland market, The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier is recognized for proven sales performance, neighborhood expertise, and consistent results across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

In the 2026 RealTrends Verified rankings, based on 2025 sales data, the team completed 181 transaction sides representing $79.28 million in sales volume. The Cory Tanzer Group ranked No. 13 in Illinois by transaction sides, No. 20 in Illinois by sales volume, No. 270 nationally by transaction sides, and No. 439 nationally by sales volume.

The team also earned The CARLY, the highest honor for Platinum Sales Dollars and Platinum Units Sold, at the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Sales Awards.

Led by Cory Tanzer, the team helps buyers, sellers, investors, landlords, and renters navigate real estate across Downtown Chicago, the North Shore, and the Western Suburbs, with local expertise in University Village, University Commons, South Loop, West Loop, Little Italy, Pilsen, and surrounding Chicagoland communities.

Connect with The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier for trusted local market insight, personalized guidance, and a proven strategy for your next Chicago real estate move.