| There is a feeling of optimism here at the park as we move into late spring. By mid-summer we hope to be hosting a limited number of in-person events, including bandshell concerts. Some restrictions will likely still be in place but our expectation of welcoming greater numbers of guests into Cantigny seems realistic as things now stand.
Another cause for optimism is that we are now in the third and final phase of Project New Leaf—the comprehensive restoration and update of McCormick House, inside and out. Phase III began last fall and is moving ahead steadily. Work on the mansion is challenging and complex, given the building’s age; parts of it are more than 100 years old. The “5 Questions” interview with architect Laura Hochuli, posted below, offers some perspective. When McCormick House reopens in 2022 it will be more than a historic home museum. It will have new value as a community resource thanks to renovated interior spaces for meetings, education programs and social gatherings. Never fear, the building’s iconic features will remain intact, including Freedom Hall, the dining room and Gold Theater. Museum exhibits are in the planning stages. ADA-compliant entry ramps and path lighting will improve visitor access into the home. And, yes, McCormick House will finally have an elevator! Many of you enjoy the Idea Garden and I’m happy to say it will reopen in May. We’ve made big changes on the one-acre plot, including a “native riverscape” complete with tumbling water and a bridge constructed of reclaimed timbers from Cantigny Golf. Some of the boulders and flagstone slabs came from other gardens on the property, displaced during Project New Leaf. As you’ll see, our commitment to reuse along with the fun creativity you expect from our horticulture team have a showcase in our new version of “the gardener’s garden.” One of Project New Leaf’s key objectives was improved accessibility for visitors, like better sightlines, upgraded pathways and added lighting. The lighting, specifically, will allow us to host more evening events in the park. Starting May 5, we’ll be keeping Cantigny open until one hour after sunset on Wednesdays, through the summer. We hope you’ll come out for an evening stroll or a look inside the First Division Museum, which will stay open until 8 pm. When you visit, be sure to check out our new fountain after dark, a beautiful sight! Finally, a few weeks ago, we met with a team from USA Cycling, organizers of the 2021 National Cyclocross Championships. Cantigny Park is hosting the races December 7-12. It’s an exciting first-time event for us, and one that Project New Leaf enhancements, such as expanded parking and restrooms, helped make possible. Even Butterfly Hill, a Phase I creation, will be a key obstacle on the cyclocross racing course! Along with our partners at the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau, we can’t wait to welcome the cycling community and spectators to the park later this year. In the meantime, we’re looking forward to a busy summer at the park—certainly busier than in 2020. Please keep an eye on Cantigny.org for news about upcoming events. On behalf of all Cantigny staff members and our wonderful volunteers, thanks for your ongoing cooperation and patience as we get ever closer to normal operations. Good times are ahead. Sincerely, |
 Blooming magnolia trees in the Fountain Garden were a spectacular sight from above and at ground level earlier this month. The lighted fountain is sure to be a popular gathering spot on Wednesday evenings, starting in May, when the park stays open after sunset. (photo by Lee Hogan)  The McCormick House renovation and restoration, the third and final phase of Project New Leaf, is ongoing, inside and out.  Exterior work includes tuckpointing and the installation of energy-efficient windows that match the character and style of the historic mansion.  Flagstone surfaces around a new water feature are part of an updated Idea Garden, scheduled to open in May.  These new planters, constructed by Brian Gray, will be used for growing vegetables in the Idea Garden.  This new patio in the Idea Garden will have ample seating for visitors to the beloved “gardener’s garden,” which first opened in 1990.  Path and stonework around the Idea Garden’s new “native riverscape” is nearly complete. Cantigny Park members will preview the revitalized garden at a special event in May.  Cantigny will host the 2021 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships this December. The races are expected to attract about 2,000 athletes and spectators are welcome. Cantigny landed the event in partnership with the DuPage Sports Commission, part of the DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau. (photo by Ethan Glading/USA Cycling) |
