Garfield Park Fieldhouse

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