The Chicago Park District selected the DuSable Park Design Alliance to design the new DuSable Park in Chicago. The 3.5-acre space is located on the shore of the Chicago River as it meets Lake Michigan, where our city was founded by Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable. DuSable Park Design Alliance, a joint venture partnership between Brook Architecture and Ross Barney Architects, combines the talent and experiences of two of the City’s most recognized and respected Architectural and Landscape Architecture design leaders.

DuSable Park, named in honor of Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable, the first non-native settler and “Founder of Chicago”, will become an overdue acknowledgement of the city’s history and an iconic public space.

Sited on an area of lake fill, the park was home to various industrial uses beginning in the late 1800’s. The Chicago Dock and Canal Trust Planned Development established the site as a park, and in 1987 Mayor Harold Washington dedicated the site in honor of Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable.

RaMona Westbrook, president and founder of Brook Architecture, says the new park will expand our knowledge and recognition of DuSable’s accomplishments. “As a native Chicagoan, I have always known that DuSable was a significant figure in Chicago’s history. As an African American, I also know that he likely had to overcome oppressive obstacles due to the color of his skin. I believe this project is an opportunity to not only celebrate the founding of Chicago and bring his story to the forefront; but also, right the wrongs done to him and acknowledge the magnitude of his greatness.”