Lincoln Park in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Landmark Landings
Along with the South Pond and Lincoln Park Zoo, the landmark buildings of Café Brauer and Carlson Cottage have served Chicago for more than 100 years. Their history parallels the growth of the pond—and the city around it.
Timeless Elegance—Café Brauer
A beautiful example of prairie-style architecture, Café Brauer overlooks the pond’s northwest end. Designed by Dwight Perkins, a contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright, the building was built in 1908.
While Café Brauer is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it had fallen into neglect after being closed to the public in the 1930’s. The Lincoln Park Zoological Society led a full restoration in 1987, taking over management and extending its wonders to guests once more.
A Building with Roots—Carlson Cottage
Carlson Cottage has stood by the South Pond since 1888. Designed by architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee, a mentor to Frank Lloyd Wright, the building originally served as a Men’s and Ladies’ Comfort Station—a public restroom.
The building has since become the home of Lincoln Park Zoos’ volunteer gardening program, offering a resting place for rakes, shovels and hoes. It has also been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Chicago Landmark. A recent renovation restored the building’s landmark look, but not the old function. Public restrooms are found elsewhere.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 41° 55.151′ N, 87° 37.986′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Lincoln Park. Marker can be reached from North Stockton Drive, 0.1 miles south of West Dickens Drive. This marker is located on a public pathway on the east side of South Pond, opposite Cafe Brauer. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2021 North Stockton Drive, Chicago IL 60614, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. “Rites of Spring” (a few steps from this marker); Lion House, Lincoln Park Zoo (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kennison Boulder Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hidden Truths (approx. 0.2 miles away); Abandoned Shoreline of Lake Michigan (approx. ¼ mile away); Old Town Triangle (approx. 0.3 miles away); Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool (approx. 0.4 miles away); Potter's Field (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
Regarding Landmark Landings. Note: August, 2011 – Public restrooms are now available at Carlson Cottage.
Also see . . .
1. Cafe Brauer Wikpedia. (Submitted on October 3, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
2. Chicago Architecture and Cityscape: Cafe Brauer. (Submitted on October 3, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
3. Chicago Landmarks: Rookery Building: South Pond Refectory and Men's and Ladies' Comfort Station. (Submitted on October 3, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Additional keywords. prairie style
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 828 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on October 3, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.