|
|
Landfill? Yes, Landfill!!!
Much of North Lake Shore Drive is built upon landfill. It would seem we didn't know any better! In fact, some of Lincoln Park (the actual park) is an old cemetery built in the landfill.
Over the years as Chicago has developed, more and more landfill was done. The last landfill was done in the 1950's to extend North Lake Shore Drive to where it is now. It was the death knell for a great Chicago landmark and a heavy blow to the neighborhood of Edgewater. In fact, the beach frontage used to be right at the base of the old Edgewater Beach Hotel (corner of Bryn Mawr & Sheridan). It was a popular destination for US presidents and movie stars for decades. Many Chicago historians rightfully blame the 1950's landfill for the ultimate demise of the hotel. It took almost 40 years for the surrounding neighborhood to recover. Edgewater wasn't always part of Chicago. It was annexed later. Many old mansions used to be built directly upon the shoreline with Sheridan Road addresses and some still exist today. Many were replaced by modern high rises. Consequently, there isn't any room to build a Lake Shore Drive extension east of them or park space unless a massive landfill is done. Take note of these photos. (click)
|
|