Sculptor Branly Cadet and architect Rodney Leon have been hired by the Chicago Park District to build a monument honoring Jean Baptiste Point DuSable at the upcoming DuSable Park, according to an announcement by the agency. The 3.5-acre lakefront project, which has been delayed since 1987, is scheduled to finally break ground this year.
New Monument Honors Chicago Founder and Indigenous History
The monument will feature a full-body statue of DuSable crafted by Cadet, while Leon handles technical aspects such as lighting, interpretive writing, and base fabrication, according to the Chicago Park District. DuSable Park, located at 451 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive near the mouth of the Chicago River, will also include art installations dedicated to DuSable’s Potawatomi wife and cultural ambassador, Kitihawa, along with other Indigenous voices, interpretive signage, and a historical timeline.
“Through their visionary art, Branly Cadet and Rodney Leon will pioneer a powerful tribute to Chicago’s first permanent settler, beautifully lifting up the rich diversity, deep history, and vibrant cultural stories of our city,” Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa said in a statement.
Did you know? Both Branly Cadet and Rodney Leon are American-born artists of Haitian descent. The Chicago Park District gave priority in its request for proposals to artists who share a Haitian heritage with DuSable. Cadet’s previous work includes the “Ark of Return” at the United Nations headquarters and “The Jackie Robinson Memorial” at Dodgers Stadium.
Funding and Development Timeline for DuSables Park
The park project has advanced significantly with support from the neighboring 400 N. Lake Shore Drive residential skyscraper development at the former Chicago Spire site, where exterior work on the first of two planned towers finished this month, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Developer Related Midwest is contributing $10 million toward the $15 million park project.
Lead design firms Ross Barney Architects and Brook Architecture submitted their preliminary plans for the park in 2025 following their selection in 2022. Construction is slated to begin this year and wrap up next year, according to the Park District. Renderings show the site will feature walking trails, gathering spaces, a boardwalk along the peninsula, and a Riverwalk extension added during construction at the adjacent skyscraper development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jean Baptiste Point DuSable?
Jean Baptiste Point DuSable was Chicago’s first permanent non-native settler, establishing a settlement in the area alongside his wife, Kitihawa, around 1778.
Where will DuSable Park be located?
The 3.5-acre park will sit on a small peninsula east of Lake Shore Drive at 451 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, near the mouth of the Chicago River.
When is DuSable Park expected to open?
According to the Chicago Park District, construction is scheduled to begin this year and finish next year.
Who is funding the park construction?
Developer Related Midwest is contributing $10 million to the $15 million park project as part of the adjacent 400 N.
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