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Project New Leaf

Cantigny Park Revitalized

New Leaf Updates
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Project Snapshots

Excavation on the east side of McCormick House last week revealed the mansion’s old swimming pool, buried since the 1940s. (7-26-21)

McCormick House and surrounding landscape on 5-23-21. Photo by Lee Hogan.

The newly completed Idea Garden on 5-23-21. Photo by Lee Hogan.

Work on the pathway just west of the mansion and east of the lower display garden. (5-18-21)

Masons at work outside McCormick House, the focus of Phase III. (5-7-21)

Replacing damaged bricks on the north side of McCormick House. (5-7-21)

A mason at work outside McCormick House, the focus of Phase III. (5-7-21)

West entrance to the newly opened Idea Garden. (5-18-21)

The new Idea Garden bridge is made from recycled wood acquired from Cantigny Golf. (5-18-21)

New plants await installation in the “native riverscape” area of the Idea Garden. (4-30-21)

New plantings, ready to thrive in their new Idea Garden home. (4-30-21)

Scott Witte applies an epoxy mixture to hold rocks and stones in place. (4-30-21)

Craig Kruckenberg plants sedges in the Idea Garden’s “native riverscape,” opening in May. (4-30-21)

Sedges planted the new “native riverscape” portion of the Idea Garden. (4-30-21)

The revitalized Idea Garden includes repairs to the shelter, too. (4-30-21)

Idea Garden from the air, on April 24, 2021. Photo by Lee Hogan.

Idea Garden nearing completion. (4-22-21)

New plantings and fencing in the Idea Garden. (4-22-21)

Cutting stone in the Idea Garden. (4-22-21)

Stonework continues in the Idea Garden. (4-22-21)

Idea Garden: Work around the Idea Garden’s new water feature on April 15, 2021.

Idea Garden: On this day, the heavy lifting (flagstone) went to a crew from Damgaard Landscape. (4-14-21)

BEFORE, in the Idea Garden. A new patio is needed. (4-7-21)

AFTER, in the Idea Garden. New patio complete! (4-14-21)

Damgaard Landscape at work in the Idea Garden. (4-7-21)

Blooming magnolia trees surround the new fountain on April 11, 2021. (photo by Lee Hogan)

The East Porch on April 16, 2021. The renovated version will remain screenless.

The south side of mansion on April 7, 2021.

McCormick House construction site on 3-22-21.

McCormick House construction site on 3-22-21.

Members of Cantigny Horticulture discuss upcoming work in the Idea Garden with a contractor. (3-22-21)

The new Idea Garden bridge is nearing completion. Recycled wood from Cantigny Golf was used to build it. (3-22-21)

School’s back in session: the Idea Garden goldfish survived the winter! (3-22-21)

Our new interpretive signage for the tanks was installed earlier this month. (3-22-21)

Digging a sewer line on 12-18-20.

Outside McCormick House on 12-18-20.

Outside McCormick House on 12-18-20.

Circle Drive outside McCormick House on 12-18-20.

Front door and porch of McCormick House on 12-18-20.

Outside McCormick House on 12-18-20.

McCormick House on 12-20-20. Photo by Lee Hogan.

McCormick House from the air on 12-5-20. Photo by Lee Hogan.

At your service: Two map kiosks were installed in the park last week. This one is outside the Visitors Center. (11-30-20)

A new “fingerpost” sign, installed 11-21-20, by the west entry to the Tank Park.

McCormick House east end on 11-21-20. Photo by Lee Hogan.

McCormick House north circle drive and portico on 11-21-20. Photo by Lee Hogan.

McCormick House from the air on 11-6-20. Photo by Lee Hogan.

Bridge deck in the Idea Garden is now in place. More work to come, including hand rails. Photo by Lee Hogan. (12-20-2)

A bridge will cross the new water feature in the Idea Garden, opening in spring 2021. (11-9-20)

Some of this repurposed lumber from Cantigny Golf will be used in the Idea Garden, including the new bridge. (11-9-20)

Construction fencing now surrounds McCormick House, which will reopen to the public in 2022. (11-9-20)

McCormick House east porch and stairs on 11-9-20.

McCormick House library (Freedom Hall) on 11-2-20.

McCormick House north porch and circle drive on 11-5-20.

McCormick House north porch on 11-6-20.

McCormick House dining room on 10-27-20.

The finished Octagon Garden on 10-13-20.

A couple admires the view, looking east from Prairie View pavilion. (10-13-20)

The new Fountain Garden and Visitors Center “backyard” on 10-11-20. Photo by Lee Hogan.

Water is flowing in the Idea Garden’s new and expanded water feature. The garden will reopen next spring. (10-13-20)

McCormick House renovation, the third and final phase of Project New Leaf, begins this fall. Vinci Hamp Architects prepared the documentation. (10-7-20)

Rare sight: Freedom Hall, the home’s grand library, is now empty, awaiting renovation. Work begins this fall. (10-7-20)

Site preparation includes some tree, shrub and pathway removal around the house. New landscaping will take place in 2021.(10-7-20)

Will Buhlig, McCormick House director (pink shirt) discusses renovation plans in the cleared out formal dining room. (10-7-20)

Grass has been planted in the Idea Garden, around the new water feature. Photo by Lee Hogan. (10-3-20)

The Octagon Garden, planted in August, is now showing some serious fall color. Photo by Lee Hogan. (10-3-20)

Installation of new park signage began last week, including parking lot markers. (9-29-20)

Improved wayfinding for park visitors is a fundamental goal of Project New Leaf. Installation of new signage began last week. (9-29-20)

A bridge will be here, crossing the new water feature in the Idea Garden. (9-25-20)

Water is flowing in the Idea Garden. Planting is next. (9-25-20)

Bob Carr from Cantigny Horticulture prepares the topsoil around the new water feature in the Idea Garden. (9-25-20)

A drone’s-eye view of the Idea Garden on Sept 14. The left side of the image shows work on the new water feature, to be completed soon.

Progress continues at the expanded Idea Garden, to be completed soon. (9-10-20)

The new “connector path” looking west toward the Fountain Garden and Visitors Center. (7-30-20) Photo by Jack Bannister.

The McCormick Allée, as seen on August 19. Lots of watering has offset the hot and dry conditions!

The new Octagon Garden, with all plants in (8-18-20).

Octagon Garden planting begins on August 12, 2020. Mums are first in the ground.

Idea Garden before installation of new and larger pond. (8-12-20)

Idea Garden before new pond installation. (8-18-20)

Idea Garden excavation. (8-18-20)

Excavation begins for a new and larger pond in the Idea Garden. (8-18-20)

Todd Henderson removes rocks from the Idea Garden, making way for a new and larger pond. (8-12-20)

Prairie View, looking west. The pavilion and fountain are in the distance. (8-12-20)

Phase II is complete! The bird’s eye view on August 1, 2020. Photo by Lee Hogan.

Prairie View is now fully planted, with trees, native plants and, in some areas, turf. (7-30-20)

The new fountain at sunrise (8-4-20). Photo by Jack Bannister

A mason puts finishing touches on a pathway in the Prairie View area. (7-30-20)

Almost finished! The final sedge plugs are planted in Prairie View. (7-30-20)

The last of thousands of native sedges are planted in Prairie View. (7-30-20)

Contractors gather outside McCormick House for a “pre-bid meeting” conducted by Featherstone, Inc. The event was in preparation for Phase III of Project New Leaf, which focuses on the mansion and begins this fall. (7-30-20)

The new fountain showed off for guests on July 29. The gardens around it are now fully planted and new benches are in place. (7-29-20)

Prairie View pavilion, event lawn and seat wall. The new turf and trees are getting lots of water these days! (7-24-20) Photo by Lee Hogan.

The Fountain Garden is now fully planted, including the “Connector Path Garden” in the upper right corner. The path leads east to the McCormick Allée and Prairie View. (7-24-20) Photo by Lee Hogan.

The iconic Butterfly Bed at Cantigny Golf, 2020 edition. (7-24-20) Photo by Lee Hogan.

The new Rock Garden, opening soon, features crevice plantings. (7-24-20)

Crevice plantings in the new Rock Garden, opening soon. (7-24-20)

Grab some bench! This 8-foot beauty just arrived, one of 25 delivered. (7-24-20)

Installation of native plugs continued today in Prairie View. (7-24-20)

Another day, another bench. More seating in the park is part of the plan! (7-21-20)

Wisteria blooms in the Octagon Garden, opening soon. (7-21-20)

Wisteria vines are growing fast in the Octagon Garden. The beds will be planted in August. (7-21-20)

Perennials await installation along the path connecting the Visitors Center to the McCormick Allée. (7-21-20)

The berm in the southeast corner of Prairie View was seeded this week. The big walnut tree retains a prominent position. (7-14-20)

Tree planting in Prairie View, with the berm in the background. (7-14-20)

A section of the Logarium, an all-new “garden” at Cantigny featuring shade-loving bontanicals such as ferns and orchids. (7-7-20)

A stunning orchid in the recently planted Logarium. (7-7-20)

Plant material awaits installation in the gravel garden area of the new Rock Garden. (7-7-20)

Newly planted area in the Rock Garden. (7-7-20)

Irrigation system at work in the McCormick Allée. The grass planted in June is doing well despite the heat wave. (7-7-20)

Prairie View event lawn, installed earlier this week. (7-7-20)

Prairie View event lawn, with new sod, trees and seat wall. (7-7-20)

The view from Prairie View pavilion, looking east toward Education Center. (7-7-20)

Sedge plugs being planted in Prairie View by a crew from Native Landscape Contractors. (6-30-20)

Sedge plugs await planting in Prairie View. (6-30-20)

One of three bridge constructions now underway in Prairie View. (6-30-20)

Crew members from Native Landscape Contractors installs sedge plugs in Prairie View. (6-30-20)

North Scallop Garden, with the new Le Jardin patio in the background. (6-18-20)

The new fountain was activated on June 15, 2020. This is the view looking west.

Tree planting in the Prairie View area. (6-18-20)

Newly planted trees and pathway in the Prairie View area. (6-18-20)

New trees in Prairie View, with the Education Center in the background. (6-18-20)

Tree planting in Prairie View on 6-18-20.

The McCormick Allée on June 18, 2020. Our grass is growing!

The new Fountain Garden from above, on June 21, 2020. Photo by Lee Hogan.

The all-new Rock Garden from above on 6-21-20. Photo by Lee Hogan.

Dozens of new trees can be seen in this bird’s eye view of the Prairie View area on 6-21-20. Photo by Lee Hogan.

Top down view of Prairie View Pavilion and soon-to-be-planted lawn. The long curved structure is a seat wall. (6-14-20) Photo by Lee Hogan.

Aerial view of Phase II construction area, with McCormick Allée in the middle. (6-7-20) Photo by Lee Hogan.

Aerial view of Phase II construction area, taken 6-7-20. Photo by Lee Hogan.

Now open for lunch! The new patio on the east side of Le Jardin, looking south. (6-10-20)

The new patio on the east side of Le Jardin, now open for lunch. (6-10-20)

Looking east, from the Education Center. Pathways around the “EC” are still in process. (6-10-20)

Prairie View, looking east, with newly planted trees. (6-10-20)

Prairie View, looking east, with newly planted trees and the pavilion in the distance. (6-10-20)

Prairie View Pavilion with McCormick House in background. (6-10-20)

Prairie View, looking northeast toward the Education Center. (6-10-20)

Rock Garden crevice plantings, including cacti. (6-10-20)

Rock Garden crevice plantings. (6-10-20)

A new planting and sitting steps in the Rock Garden. (6-10-20)

Newly seeded McCormick Allée, looking north. (6-10-20)

The newly planted McCormick Allée, looking south toward the golf course. (6-10-20)

The finished Connector Path, looking west toward the Visitors Center. (6-10-20)

New plants for the Fountain Garden. (6-10-20)

Visitors Center “backyard” with new turf, looking west. (6-10-20)

First night test of the new fountain, on 6-2-20.

The new fountain passed its first test, shown here on 6-2-20. Water patterns vary, and lights will add drama to the display at night.

The shiny new mechanicals in the fountain are in place and ready to test. (5-23-20)

Aerial view on 5-24-20. Rock Garden in center, McCormick Allée on left, Fountain Garden on right. Photo by Lee Hogan.

The view from Le Jardin, looking east. Recent rains are helping the new grass! (5-23-20)

Brickwork in the Octagon Garden is complete. Planting is next. (5-23-20)

The new London Plane trees in the McCormick Allée are beginning to leaf out. (5-23-20)

Paver installation on the path connecting the Fountain Garden and McCormick Allée. (5-23-20)

Path construction between the main east-west connector path and the new Rock Garden. (5-23-20)

The south Scallop Garden, just east of the Visitors Center. (5-23-20)

The Visitors Center “backyard” has a fresh new look. Recent rains are helping the new grass! (5-23-20)

The nearly finished Rock Garden on May 16, 2020. It is located just east of the Visitors Center, near the Idea Garden. Photo by Lee Hogan.

Phase II construction area from above, on May 16, 2020. The Visitors Center is at the top. Photo by Lee Hogan.

The McCormick Allee, looking south from the mansion and reflecting pool. (5-12-20)

The reconstructed allee features parallel rows of stately London Planes. Above, one of 31 trees is carefully placed. (5-12-20)

An irrigation line, shown here, will help the new trees prosper. In the distance is the lone surviving American Elm from the original allee. (5-12-20)

London Plane is in the sycamore family, which you can see by the “camo-style” bark. (5-12-20)

This new pathway, with brick pavers, will connect the Fountain Garden with Prairie View to the east. (5-12-20)

New plantings around the new fountain behind the Visitors Center. All brickwork is complete. (5-12-20)

The Green Garden, with newly planted Royal White Redbud trees. (5-12-20)

The Green Garden, with newly planted Royal White Redbud trees. (5-12-20)

Looking north from the south end of the McCormick Allee. (5-6-20)

Newly installed doors to Octagon Garden. (5-6-20)

Octagon Garden. (5-6-20)

Green Garden. (5-6-20)

Newly planted lawn east of Le Jardin. (5-6-20)

Looking north, from the new patio outside Le Jardin. (5-6-20)

Looking east, from the new patio outside Le Jardin. (5-6-20)

Shrubs await planting around the new fountain. (5-6-20)

New plantings in the Rock Garden. (5-6-20)

Unfinished pathway to Idea Garden. (5-6-20)

Looking west, from Prairie View Pavilion toward Fountain Garden and Visitors Center. (5-6-20)

Prairie View Pavilion. (5-6-20)

New path from Idea Garden to Prairie View Pavilion. (5-6-20)

New trees in staging area by the Idea Garden. (5-6-20)

Masons working on brick pathway around new fountain. (5-2-20) Photo by Lee Hogan.

Phase II work area from above. (5-2-20) Photo by Lee Hogan.

Lawn and fountain area from above. Visitors Center is top right. (5-2-20) Photo by Lee Hogan.

Drone’s-eye view, looking east from Visitors Center. (4-24-20) Photo by Featherstone, Inc.

Drone’s-eye view of Fountain Garden, looking east from Visitors Center. (4-24-20) Photo by Featherstone, Inc.

Prairie View, with McCormick House in the distance. (4-24-20) Photo by Featherstone, Inc.

Le Jardin east lawn. (4-24-20) Photo by Featherstone, Inc.

Octagon Garden. (4-24-20) Photo by Featherstone, Inc.

Octagon Garden. (4-10-20)

Octagon Garden. (4-10-20)

Green Garden. (4-10-20)

Looking east from Le Jardin. McCormick House in the distance. (4-16-20)

New patio adjacent to the east side of Le Jardin. (4-16-20)

Visitors Center, east side, with new Le Jardin patio. (4-16-20)

North-South pathway behind the Visitors Center. (4-16-20)

Pathwork in the Fountain Garden. (4-16-20)

Pathwork in the Fountain Garden. (4-16-20)

A wild turkey (hen) takes a look around the new Fountain Garden. (4-16-20)

Rock Garden. (4-16-20)

Rock Garden. (4-16-20)

Rock Garden. (4-16-20)

New path leading to Prairie View Pavilion. McCormick House in background. (4-16-20)

Pathway construction with Prairie View Pavilion in the distance. (4-16-20)

Pathway construction in the Prairie View area. (4-16-20)

The view from above on Easter Sunday 2020. Courtesy of Lee Hogan.

Phase II construction area from above, on March 14, 2020. Photo by Lee Hogan.

Looking west, through the Prairie View Pavilion to the Visitors Center. (1-2-20)

Finishing touches await the Prairie View Pavilion in 2020. (1-2-20)

Looking north, the Prairie View Pavilion and McCormick House in the distance. (1-2-20)

The new Fountain Garden will come to life in 2020. The view here is looking west. (1-2-20)

The view from above on 12-29-19. The Visitors Center and Oak Colonnade are at the bottom of image.

Main Phase II construction area on 12-29-19. The Visitors Center is at the top of image.

Main Phase II contruction area on 12-29-19. The Education Center is in the lower right corner, Idea Garden upper left.

Work on the new Le Jardin dining patio, east of the Visitors Center. The patio will offer views of the gardens and McCormick House beyond. (11-18-19)

Work on the new Le Jardin dining patio, east of the Visitors Center. The patio will offer views of the gardens and McCormick House beyond. (11-18-19)

Masons install coping stones on the new fountain, just east of the Visitors Center. The stones will serve as seating while preventing moisture from penetrating the fountain wall. (11-18-19)

Masons install coping stones on the new fountain, just east of the Visitors Center. The stones will serve as seating while preventing moisture from penetrating the fountain wall. (11-18-19)

Three of the five memorial markers are shown here, with the golf course in the background. A bit of additional landscaping work remains. (11-20-19)

The first of five glass memorial markers about to be installed in the First Division Museum courtyard (11-4-19)

The first of five glass memorial markers about to be installed in the First Division Museum courtyard (11-4-19)

The first of five glass memorial markers about to be removed from the shipping crate. (11-4-19)

On the way! Five long-awaited glass memorial markers for the First Division Museum courtyard will be installed in November. (10-30-19)

On the way! Five long-awaited glass memorial markers for the First Division Museum courtyard will be installed in November. (10-30-19)

Brick installers work on the wall of the new fountain, just east of the Visitors Center. (10-23-19)

A new brick-lined pathway at the Education Center is almost ready for asphalt. (10-23-19)

A masonry crew installs stone pavers around the Prairie View seat wall. The Idea Garden is in the background. (10-23-19)

The new Rock Garden on 10-23-19. A gravel and soil mix has filled this raised bed.

A crew from Cantigny Horticulture works on upgrading the soil, for the benefit of the ancient bur oak in the background. (10-15-19)

The chimney swift tower in the former prairie is still standing! (10-15-19)

Nice weather this week has helped progress in the Rock Garden, seen here on 10-15-19.

Masons recently completed the Prairie View seat wall. McCormick House is in the background. (10-15-19)

Pathwork in the Prairie View area. The Idea Garden is in the background. (10-15-19)

Cement work is finished at the new fountain behind the Visitors Center. (10-15-19)

Safe, secure and not bad looking! Our new place for garbage behind the Visitors Center. (10-15-19)

The reflecting pool south of McCormick House will soon be like new! Sealant is being applied here. (10-15-19)

Sod installation around the newly restored reflecting pool, on the south lawn of McCormick House. (10-9-19)

The newly restored reflecting pool on the south lawn of McCormick House. The path to the right of the pool is a day or two away from being opened to visitors. (10-9-19)

Looking south from McCormick House on 10-9-19. Sod is about to be placed around the newly restored reflecting pool.

Freshly poured cement awaits smoothing at the new fountain behind the Visitors Center. (10-9-19)

Final cement pour at the Fountain Garden. The ring being poured will be the seat wall. (10-9-19)

Final cement pour at the Fountain Garden. The Visitors Center is in the background. (10-9-19)

Cement is poured for the new fountain behind the Visitors Center. (10-2-19)

Cement is poured for the new fountain behind the Visitors Center. (10-2-19)

A new bench along the east-west pathway, north of the First Division Museum Tank Park. (10-7-19)

NOW OPEN! This new pathway runs east-west, along the north side of the Tank Park by the First Division Museum. (10-7-19)

Electricians install a new light pole behind the Visitors Center. (10-7-19)

In the south reflecting pool, masons install the limestone cap on the new mermaid statue platform. (9-27-19)

In the south reflecting pool, a mason prepares the new mermaid statue platform to receive the limestone cap. (9-27-19)

Work is progressing on the Prairie View Pavilion. (10-7-19)

Work is progressing on the Prairie View Pavilion. (10-4-19)

Prairie View Pavilion, on the site of the former Rose Garden. (9-27-19)

This new water detention area was created behind the residence across from the greenhouse. (9-27-19)

Wooden framework is in place at the Fountain Garden, in preparation for the upcoming cement pour. (9-27-19)

Crew members place stone in the Rock Garden. (9-27-19)

Crew members place a stone in the Rock Garden. (9-27-19)

Cantigny Horticulture staff filling planters on the new Visitors Center plaza. The Fountain Garden is in the background. (9-27-19)

Now open! Cantigny guests may now use the pathway from the back of the Visitors Center to the First Division Museum. (9-27-19)

Construction began today on the Prairie View pavilion, at the site of the old Rose Garden. (9-25-19)

Construction began today on the Prairie View pavilion, on the site of the old Rose Garden. (9-25-19)

The all-new Rock Garden is taking shape. (9-25-19)

The all-new Rock Garden is progressing nicely. (9-25-19)

Water and electric utilities are in place at the Fountain Garden.

The east side of the Visitors Center is complete! Visitors can now use the exit and pathway to the First Division Museum. (9-25-19)

The steel trellis was placed today in the Octagon Garden. (9-25-19)

This space will become the Green Garden in 2020. (9-25-19)

Paving around the Education Center is complete! (9-25-19)

Crew members prepare to install the base for the mermaid statue in the reflecting pool just south of McCormick House. (9-24-19)

A crew member prepares to install the base for the mermaid statue in the reflecting pool south of McCormick House. (9-24-19)

A second layer of asphalt is applied to the brick-edged pathway leading to the Education Center. (9-24-19)

A crew spreads the asphalt on the pathway that leads to the McCormick gravesite. (9-23-19)

A front loader fills up with hot asphalt near the Education Center. (9-23-19)

A roller operator smooths out the initial asphalt “binder” layer. (9-23-19)

Paving Day! A crew lays down asphalt on the main east-west pathway leading to Education Center. (9-23-19)

Paving Day! A crew lays down asphalt on the main east-west pathway leading to Education Center. (9-23-19)

Waterproofing the reflection pool, south of McCormick House. (9-23-19)

The Octagon Garden as it looked on 9-16-19. The steel trellis, top left, will soon be installed in the garden’s center.

Looking east toward the Education Center. The wide new pathways will feature brick edging with asphalt. (9-16-19)

The path up the hill from the Education Center will now have some curves! Asphalt is next. (9-16-19)

Seat walls behind the Visitors Center are finished as brick pathwork continues. (9-16-19)

Wide brick pathways will soon be finished behind the Visitors Center. (9-16-19)

More paver bricks arrive, a VERY frequent occurrence these days! (9-4-19)

Carpenters prepare for concrete pouring at the new Fountain Garden. (9-16-19)

Progress on the new Fountain Garden behind the Cantigny Visitors Center. (9-16-19)

Steel “boots” adjacent to the First Division Museum rear courtyard await the installation of glass war memorials. (9-16-19)

McCormick House’s south reflection pool is receiving a total makeover. (9-16-19)

Looking east at Prairie View construction. The former Rose Garden is in the foreground. (9-16-19)

Looking northwest, future site of the Prairie View trellis. McCormick House is visible on the far right. (9-4-19)

Workers discuss pending construction of the Prairie View wooden trellis, on the site of the former Rose Garden. (9-4-19)

Work behind the Visitors Center, adjacent to the new fountain. (9-4-19)

The new Rock Garden is starting to take shape! (9-4-19)

The view from the Education Center “porch,” looking west. (9-4-19)

Unfinished pathway construction south of the Rock Garden. (8-22-19)

Ongoing pathway work behind the Cantigny Visitors Center. Brick pavers are next. (8-22-19)

The reflecting pond south of McCormick House is undergoing restoration, including the beloved mermaid fountain. (8-22-19)

Green Garden on August 22, 2019.

Octagon Garden on August 22, 2019.

Fountain Garden on August 22, 2019.

Prairie View on August 22, 2019. The Idea Garden is in the distance.

During Phase II of Project New Leaf, as with Phase I, newly planted trees will outnumber trees removed. (8-22-19)

Newly completed brick pathway running along north side of First Division Museum tank park. Light fixtures coming soon! (8-16-19)

New pathway in progress on the east side of Visitors Center, near the Fountain Garden. (8-16-19)

Work continues on the east side of the Visitors Center. Public access will be restored to this area soon. (8-16-19)

Seat wall progress in back of the Visitors Center. (8-11-19)

East side of Visitors Center. Progress can be a little muddy! (8-16-19)

The Fountain Garden is taking shape. Visitors Center in the background. (8-16-19)

When finished, the Rock Garden will be nothing like the old one! (8-16-19)

The McCormick Allee, looking south toward the golf course. (8-16-19)

The McCormick Allee, looking north toward the mansion. Lone elm tree in right foreground. (8-16-19)

Workers install steel beams from the World Trade Center, outside the First Division Museum. The 9/11 memorial will be dedicated on Sept. 11. (8-2-19)

As it hangs from the crane, workers prepare the landing spot for the Spirit of Commitment sculpture, near the First Division Museum. (7-12-19)

The Spirit of Commitment sculpture, safely on the flatbed, begins the short journey to its new location near the First Division Museum. (7-12-19)

A crane prepares to lift the Spirit of Commitment sculpture and place it on the red flatbed, near the Education Center. (7-12-19)

Wrapped and ready: The Spirit of Commitment sculpture awaits its move to the First Division Museum grounds. (7-9-19)

The stone-mounted Spirit of Commitment plaques will be relocated with the sculpture. (7-9-19)

The seat wall foundation for Prairie View is in place, where the former Rose Garden was located. (7-9-19)

Pathways around the Cantigny Education Center are being replaced. (7-9-19)

Looking west, toward the Cantigny Visitors Center, from the former Rose Garden location. (7-9-19)

Seat wall construction on east side of the Visitors Center. (7-1-19)

Seat wall construction on east side of the Visitors Center. (7-1-19)

This aerial shows the area east of the Visitors Center currently under construction. Photo by Lee Hogan. (6-18-19)

A different view of Phase II construction. The Education Center is in the lower left. Photo by Lee Hogan. (6-18-19)

This aerial shows the fountain garden in the center and the connector path heading east from the Visitors Center. Photo by Lee Hogan. (6-18-19)

Aerial view of the Fountain Garden. Photo by Lee Hogan. (5-26-19)

What’s left of the pergola, near the old Rose Garden. (5-28-19)

What’s left of the pergola, near the old Rose Garden. (5-28-19)

The view from the Visitors Center, looking east towards the Fountain Garden (5-23-19)

Work on the Fountain Garden seen looking east from Visitors Center (5-22-19)

The allee, looking south from McCormick House (5-22-19)

The allee, looking north, with McCormick House in the distance. (5-22-19)

The allee, looking north towards McCormick House (5-22-19)

The view looking west toward the Visitors Center from the allee. (5-21-19)

2018 Cantigny in Focus entry by Greg Stockman (White Garden)

2018 Cantigny in Focus entry by Ken Wickham (New Rose Garden)

2018 Cantigny in Focus entry by Shelby Lynn Germain (Gold Pond)

2018 Cantigny in Focus entry by Don Maiers (White Garden)

2018 Cantigny in Focus entry by Leah Poole (lower display garden)

2018 Cantigny in Focus entry by Kate Dudley (White Garden)

2018 Cantigny in Focus entry by Shannon Higgins (Pollinator Garden)

2018 Cantigny in Focus entry by Jen Adrian (White Garden)

2018 Cantigny in Focus entry by Don Maiers (Gold Pond)

2018 Cantigny in Focus entry by Ken Wickham (Gold Pond)

2018 Cantigny in Focus entry by Jen Adrian (Gold Pond)

2018 Cantigny in Focus entry by Manuel Perez (Gold Pond Boardwalk)

2018 Cantigny in Focus entry by Manuel Perez (Oak Colonnade)

2018 Cantigny in Focus entry by Mary Lemak. (Gold Pond)

What a difference 5 days make! Here’s the Colonnade on April 27.

Tulips in a snowstorm on April 27 — quite an unusual sight!

The “canoe” beds in the Oak Colonnade are showing spring color. Butterfly Hill is in the background. (4-22-19)

World Trade Center beams were temporarily exhibited inside the First Division Museum, most recently in 2013. The beams will soon be a permanent outdoor memorial to those lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

This digitally enhanced photo shows where the World Trade Center Memorial will be installed, outside the First Division Museum.

New lighting keeps the north and south lots well illuminated. The Visitors Center is in the lower right. Photo by Lee Hogan. (10-18-18.

The expanded south lot received plenty of use during the Cantigny Fall Festival on Oct. 13. Phot by Lee Hogan. (10-13-18)

We have a space for YOU! The expanded south parking lot reopened in early October.

Done! The new south parking lot has 350 more spaces than before.

The south parking lot is finished (finally!) and now offers easy visitor access to the First Division Museum.

Butterfly Hill, on the south end of the Oak Colonnade and overlooking the golf course, is shaping up nicely! (10-23-18)

The new restroom and visitor information building is nearing completion. A tank and the First Division Museum are visible in the background. (10-23-18)

Guest access to the First Division Museum from the south parking lot is EASY now! (10-23-18)

Our iconic WWI “doughboy” is out of his protective box and on guard once again!

The new pavilion just south of the Visitors Center opens this fall.

Landscaping along the new Butterfly Trail, just south of the expanded parking lot.

The Oak Colonnade, looking south toward the golf course and Butterfly Hill.

Climbing grapevines in the new display gardens are performing as planned.

The rebuilt and landscaped pond outside the Administrative Offices building.

Paving the south parking lot on August 31. When opened, the lot will feature 350 additional spaces.

Paving the south parking lot on August 31. When opened, the lot will feature 350 additional spaces.

Paving the south parking lot on August 31. When opened, the lot will feature an additional 350 spaces.

The Visitors Center from above, with the Oak Colonnade and Arrival Plaza in front. 8-26-18

Bird’s eye view of the Welcome Pavilion, with two tanks also visible. The round structure will be a water feature. 8-26-18

The south parking lot on 8-26-18. Paving has begun and should be finished shortly after Labor Day. Visitors Center is in upper right corner.

The view from above on Easter Sunday 2020. Courtesy of Lee Hogan.

The Welcome Pavilion, as seen on 8-16-18. It’s located a little south of the Cantigny Visitors Center.

Access to the Visitors Center from the main parking lot just got a lot easier! The new Arrival Plaza should be finished in a week or two. 8-16-18.

The Oak Colonnade, looking south from the Visitors Center on 8-16-18. The little flags are marking son-to-come flower beds.

Coming soon: 350 new parking spaces in the south lot, directly west of the First Division Museum. Completion is expected before Labor Day. (8-2-18)

Coming soon: 350 new parking spaces in the south lot, directly west of the First Division Museum. Completion is expected before Labor Day. (8-2-18)

The Oak Colonnade as viewed on August 2 from Butterfly Hill, looking north toward the Visitors Center. This key feature will open to the public later this fall.

The Arrival Pavilion on August 2. The concrete structure in the foreground is a water feature. The building itself will have restrooms and visitor information.

The Arrival Pavilion on August 2. The concrete structure in the foreground is a water feature. The building itself will have restrooms and visitor information.

The new display gardens and Gold Pond as photographed from above by Lee Hogan on July 29.

This is the fully reconstructed pond outside the Administrative Offices building — final touch-ups to come!

The enlarged “welcome plaza” outside the Visitors Center is nearly complete!

Janice Dugan from Darien cuts the ribbon to open the new gardens at a Cantigny Members sneak preview event on July 10.

Scott and Sue Watkins from Lombard cut the ribbon the new gardens at the public Grand Reopening on July 14.

Workers install pavers outside the Visitors Center on July 18. The new welcome plaza should be completed by early August.

Work on the new Arrival Pavilion is moving along nicely. This building is just south of the Visitors Center and close to the First Division Museum. (7-18-18)

Landscaping just outside Le Jardin finished up this month. Note the new covered entrance to the building, too. (7-18-18)

The new gardens are open! This photo is from the Cantigny members sneak preview event on July 10.

Workers install a collar of turf on the outer edge of the new 250-foot perennial garden. (7-2-18)

Workers smooth out the newly poured cement walkways outside the Visitors Center and Le Jardin. (7-2-18)

Looking south from the Visitors Center, where the Oak Colonnade will soon be planted. (7-2-18)

The far north end of the Oak Colonnade, foreground, is ready for planting. (7-2-18)

A bird’s eye view on June 24, 2018. Most of the current construction work is now south of the Visitors Center. McCormick House is at the top of photo.

Preparing flower beds for planting at the north end of the Oak Colonnade. In the background, the doughboy statue has just landed in his new permanent home. (6-25-18)

Moving the doughboy statue to his new permanent place in front of the Cantigny Visitors Center. (6-25-18)

Steady, about 15 more feet to go! It’s unlikely the doughboy will ever fly again. (6-25-18)

Our cherished doughboy statue prepares to land in his new permanent home. (6-25-18)

Foundation for the new “arrival pavilion” located between south parking lot and First Division Museum. (6-6-18)

The north end of the Oak Colonnade, outside Le Jardin at the Visitors Center. Twelve oaks planted so far! (6-6-18)

Woodside No. 3 and No. 4 as seen on June 6. Woodside No. 3 green is at the top of photo. Getting close!

The new formal gardens north of the Visitors Center are being planted. (6-6-18) A Grand Opening event is planned for July 14.

Aerial view of the new Red Oaks Farm playground, which opened Memorial Day weekend. The kids are loving it!

Work on the Woodside course is nearing completion. This image from June 7 shows prep for the new cart path.

The pond outside the office building is gone! But it will soon return, and looking a lot better. This pic is from June 6.

Red Oaks Farm playground opening: 4th-graders and West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda cut the ribbon on May 25.

West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda and lots of friends on May 25.

Having fun on the new equipment!

Putting the finishing touches on the playground landscape, May 29.

Aerial view looking south of gardens and Visitors Center on May 15. Roosevelt Road is at the bottom. Photo by Lee Hogan.

Aerial view of Red Oaks Farm playground, opening to the public on May 26. Photo taken May 15 by Lee Hogan.

Aerial view of Display Gardens (opening in July) and Pond Garden (now open). Photo taken May 15 by Lee Hogan.

Seat walls outside the Cantigny Visitors Center. The dirt area is where the north end of the Colonnade begins.

Red Oaks Farm playground, 9 days from the grand opening on May 26. Now it’s all about the landscaping.

New path! Getting from the Visitors Center to the First Division Museum just got a lot easier.

The east-west path from parking to McCormick House is open!

Circle bench around the bur oak in upper display garden (opening in July). McCormick House is in the background.

Planting is well underway in the upper display gardens, opening in July.

The view from the soon-to-be Rose Garden, just north of the Cantigny Visitors Center. Lots of wedding ceremonies will happen here!

The first tree in the north-south Colonnade was planted May 17, a Chinquapin Oak. The allee will feature 48 trees in all, of various oak species.

Assembling the Red Oaks Farm playground on May 4. It takes the name of Cantigny’s original name, when the land was a working farm.

The namesake water tower in the new Red Oaks Farm playground, opening Memorial Day weekend.

Looking north, the brick patio outside the new Le Jardin entrance nears completion.

The view from Woodside No. 4 tee as the stormwater detention area is enlarged.

Scott Witte, director of horticulture, chats about Project New Leaf with Brian O’Keefe from WDCB Public Radio on May 1.

Navigating the gardens with strollers and wheelchairs is about to get a lot easier easier thanks to pathways like this!

New beds await May planting in the upper display gardens.

Hedges of Japanese yews surround the new garden plantings such as here in the lower display garden.

The new Bertie’s Bistro is open! See the exciting full lunch menu online at Cantigny.org. Bertie’s is inside the Visitors Center and serving daily.

The new “connector path” from the back of the Visitors Center to the First Division Museum. Brick pavers come next!

Another load of Japanese yew, destined for the new gardens north of the Visitors Center.

This shot taken on April 7 shows our progress on the Visitors Center, display gardens and pond garden. Photo by Lee Hogan.

Painting the trellis in the upper display gardens. The frames will feature climbing plants and provide shade for visitors. (April 2018)

The East-West brick pathway north of the Visitors Center is nearly complete! (April 2018)

The new East-West path north of the Visitors Center will soon feature brick pavers. Then we can open it to the public and take down the fence seen here on the right. (March 2018)

The bronze Doughboy keeps watch from his temporary position outside the Visitors Center. (photo by Jim Frazier)

Here’s looking south from the Visitors Center, toward the golf course. The Red Oak Colonnade (a double row of 48 trees) will go here! (March 2018)

Work continues on the “connector path” from behind the Visitors Center to the First Division Museum. Brick pavers still to come. (March 2018)

Looks boring, but boy did we need this! Le Jardin in the Visitors Center finally has a coat closet.

Site preparation for the Red Oak Colonnade is well under way. The Visitors Center is at the bottom of this shot from late March 2018.

Here’s a look from high above the playground site in late March 2018. Red Oaks Farm playground will open in late May.

For a while longer, all museum and garden visitors must enter through the main entrance of the Visitors Center. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Our doughboy statue is still on guard, but in a temporary place due to construction. In a few months he’ll move back to his previous position but a bit further west.

Our spiffed up Visitors Center gallery features a new floor, fresh paint, expanded information kiosk and seating.

Stop by our new information kiosk to ask a question or pick up an updated map of the park.

Mission accomplished! From its new temporary position, the Doughboy has a clear view of visitors entering Cantigny Park. (March 2)

Moving the Doughboy statue out of harm’s way, to a temporary place a bit further west from the Visitors Center. (March 2).

Moving the Doughboy statue out of harm’s way, on March 2.

Bertie’s Bistro, as it looked on January 11. The entrance to Le Jardin is in the background.

Here’s a look at the bar and serving counter inside Le Jardin on January 11.

The main lobby of the Visitors Center, shown here on January 11, is ready for new flooring! The topographical map of Cantigny, under the glass floor, is covered.

As 2018 begins, the focus of Project New Leaf is on remodeling the Visitors Center.

Workers remove the old tile in the Visitors Center main lobby on January 3. A beautiful simulated wood floor is coming soon!

Workers remove the old tile in the Visitors Center main lobby on January 3. A beautiful simulated wood floor is coming soon!

Two flatbed trailers loaded with our new playground arrived from California on Dec. 19. Assembly is scheduled for early spring.

The new entrance for Le Jardin, opening in March, will reflect the Visitors Center main entrance.

Iron framework at the new Le Jardin entrance, on Dec. 14.

Iron framework at the new Le Jardin entrance, on Dec. 14.

This early December shot shows site preparation for our “Red Oaks Farm” playground, coming next spring.

This early December shot shows site preparation for our “Red Oaks Farm” playground, coming next spring.

Work on the new Le Jardin entrance and vestibule began in late November.

Work on the new Le Jardin entrance and vestibule began in late November.

Here’s the view from above on Thanksgiving Day 2017.

Our “Red Oaks Farm” playground is under construction in California! We’ll assemble it at Cantigny in spring 2018.

Our “Red Oaks Farm” playground is under construction in California! We’ll assemble it at Cantigny in spring 2018.

The new Rose Garden just north of the Visitors Center will feature decorative stone pathways.

Plantings around the Pond Garden will be completed in spring 2018. This is the view looking west.

Work on the Visitors Center began just after Veterans Day. Upgrades include a grand new entrance for Le Jardin.

Steel trellises for climbing plants are now installed in the Upper Display Garden.

Steel trellises for climbing plants are now installed in the Upper Display Garden.

New pathways throughout the display gardens will provide easier access for visitors.

The tank park light fixtures finally arrived! You can see them in this photo from our pre-Halloween Family Night last week.

The picnic pavilion near the park’s front entrance is nearly finished. It’s identical to the new one behind the First Division Museum.

Twenty Catalpa trees were planted along the new sidewalk at the south end of the Cantigny Parade Field.

This walkway will offer guests safe passage from the parking lot to the Visitors Center. Light poles are coming.

Coming soon: A really fun and interesting playground near the picnic area!

Concrete was poured for the new Picnic Grove shelter on October 5.

Installation of turf around the Pond Garden began in early October.

Installation of turf around the Pond Garden began in early October (aerial view).

The lower display gardens on Sept. 29, looking northeast, with a bit of the McCormick House visible.

This photo taken Sept. 29 shows planting progress on the west end of the Ecological Pond Garden.

The east end of the Pond Garden on Sept. 29, with display gardens and Visitors Center in the distance. Turf is on the way!

Nannyberry Viburnums await planting alongside the Ecological Pond Garden on Sept. 29.

Work in the lower display garden is moving quickly. Notice that the “four season statues” are back in place, but now facing inward.

After a summer-long wait, climbers returned on Aug. 26! The tanks were looking good and freshly painted.

This aerial shot from early September shows the pond and formal gardens in development.

Workers planting some of the 13,000 native wetland plants around the pond garden.

Newly created steps around the pond garden.

Brick edging enhance the new pathway around the pond garden.

This part of the new pathway encircling the pond garden. McCormick House is in the distance.

This aerial shot from early September shows the pond garden and formal gardens in development.

The pond garden boardwalk will be surrounded by water and native wetland plans to help keep the water clean.

This shot shows the busy construction area north of the Visitors Center and west of McCormick House.

Tanks outside the First Division Museum received new paint and markings.

20 linden trees await planting in the upper gardens, just north of the Visitors Center.

The remodeled First Division Museum lobby features a “French 75” cannon as its centerpiece.

The new pavilion behind the First Division Museum.

The landscape around historic Dairymen’s Cottage received a makeover, too.

Another step in the very early stages was the April relocation of the beehives from the Silver Pond area.

Creating the new pond garden began with a draining of the former Gold and Silver Ponds. (April 2017)

Hundreds of plants were moved to this temporary nursery across from the Cantigny Greenhouse in late 2016.

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History

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation was established in 1955 under The Last Will and Testament of Col. Robert R. McCormick, long time publisher and editor of the Chicago Tribune. We ground our work in the intent and values of our founder, Col. McCormick – a citizen soldier, crusading publisher and philanthropist who cared deeply for Chicagoland.

Location + Hours

Address

1S151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189

Hours

Open Daily from
7am until Sunset

Links

cantigny.org
mccormickfoundation.org
fdmuseum.org
cantignygolf.com

Contact

P: 630.668.5161
newleaf@cantigny.org

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