Garfield Park in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Garfield Park Fieldhouse

Photographed by Sean Flynn, March 25, 2024

1. Garfield Park Fieldhouse Marker

Inscription. The Garfield Park Fieldhouse, constructed in 1928 as the West Park Commission administrative headquarters, is one of the most lavish buildings on Chicago's west side. Designed by architects Michaelsen & Rognstad this "Gold Dome Building" has a 23 carat gilded dome. The building's Spanish Revival style was inspired by a 1915 exposition in San Diego's Balboa Park, which influenced design throughout the nation. The fieldhouse's ornate facade includes sculptural figure of Robert Cavalier de LaSalle, explorer of the Upper Midwest. The interior rotunda also has impressive details, including marble panels by the renowned sculptor, Richard W. Bock.

The West Park staff, which had operated out of small Union Park offices since the 1880's, was suffering from space shortage by the 1920's. A major 1927 bond issue funded the construction of this flamboyant Garfield Park building for offices, a police department, and public functions including a restaurant and skater's room. After the 1934 consolidation of the independent park commissions into the Chicago Park District, the administrative headquarters became Garfield Park's Fieldhouse.

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In response to increased recreational needs, a gymnasium and outdoor swimming pool were constructed on the west side of the building in 1983.

Erected by Chicago Park District.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Exploration • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #20 James A. Garfield, the Jens Jensen, and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 41° 52.957′ N, 87° 42.931′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Garfield Park. It is on North Central Park Avenue 0.1 miles north of West Washington Boulevard, on the left when traveling north. The marker is just to the left (south) of the sidewalk in front of the Garfield Park Fieldhouse entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 North Central Park Avenue, Chicago IL 60624, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western

Photographed by Sean Flynn, March 25, 2024

2. Garfield Park Fieldhouse Marker

The marker text is on the rear of this sign; the fieldhouse itself is in the background.

Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Talking Tree Project (here, next to this marker); Habitats: Home for Wildlife (within shouting distance of this marker); Garfield Park Natural Area (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Garfield Park Natural Area (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Talking Tree Project (about 500 feet away); Garfield Park (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Garfield Park Natural Area (about 600 feet away); The Boulevard System (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker. The marker, likely posted in the late 1990s, has a bit of wear and is hard to read in some parts. There are at least a handful more similar historical markers on the rear of Garfield Park signs throughout the 184-acre park.

Also see . . .
1. Garfield (James) Park.

Garfield Park Fieldhouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, March 25, 2024

3. Garfield Park Fieldhouse

A history of the park from the Chicago Park District (Submitted on March 25, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. WTTW Chicago (Channel 11): Garfield Park. (Submitted on March 25, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Garfield Park Fieldhouse "Gold Dome" and sculptures image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, March 25, 2024

4. Garfield Park Fieldhouse "Gold Dome" and sculptures

The front of the building includes a sculpture of Robert Cavalier de LaSalle, the 17th century French explorer who traveled through the Midwest.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, March 25, 2024

5. Garfield Park Fieldhouse Marker

An east-facing view from the front steps of the fieldhouse. The marker is on the right; Chicago's downtown skyline is in the distance.

Garfield Park Fieldhouse interior image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, March 25, 2024

6. Garfield Park Fieldhouse interior

The lobby beneath the rotunda features marble panels designed by Richard W. Bock.

Beneath the Garfield Park Fieldhouse rotunda image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, March 25, 2024

7. Beneath the Garfield Park Fieldhouse rotunda

Credits. This page was last revised on March 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 932 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 25, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 5. submitted on March 26, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 6, 7. submitted on March 25, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.