• Collection ID X.3535.2017
  • Creator Names Burnham, Daniel Hudson 1846-1912
  • Title Daniel Burnham South Shore Drive architectural drawing [graphic] 1896
  • Physical description 4 linear feet, 5 drawings (1 folder)
  • Access and usage restrictions Advance appointment with special permission required to view this original material. Digital surrogates are available upon request (email: research@chicagohistory.org).
  • Collection summary Five-panel pencil and color/wash on paper architectural rendering of Daniel Burnham's South Shore Drive and lakefront plan dated October 1896. The drawing represents an early visualization of Burnham's concepts and was possibly prepared for his presentation to the South Park Comissioners on October 10, 1896. Depicted across four panels is a central lagoon running parallel to the lakeshore, from Jackson Park to Randolph Street; the fourth panel also offers a cross-section of the tunnels that would connect the south and north side parks. The fifth panel depicts a more detailed plan of the streets that cross the tracks and reach the new drive. Each panel ends in a circular green space on the immediate lake shore around which four lanes of carriage, equestrian, and bicycle traffic flow.
  • Terms Governing Use and Reproduction No known copyright restrictions.
  • Biographical or Historical Note Chicagoan Daniel H. Burnham (1846 -1912) was one of the foremost architects and urban planners of the turn of the century, leaving his imprint on many individual buildings as well as American cities. As Director of Works of the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 he became closely involved with the development of Chicago's lakefront, seeing its potential for beautification of the city and a place of recreation for all citizens. In 1896 Burnham began his quest to develop South Shore Drive and the lakefront through letters to individuals and speeches to groups such as the South Park Commission and the Chicago Club. On April 16, 1897 he presented his plan to the public, selling his plan as a financial benefit of the business community and for the health and happiness of the citizens.
  • Names South Park Commission (Chicago, Ill.)
  • Subjects City planning Illinois Chicago.
  • Geographic coverage South Shore Drive (Chicago, Ill.)
  • Genre Architectural drawings. gmgpc