Chicago, Illinois
Jackson Park situated along Lake Michigan, Having hosted the 1893 World’s Colombian Exposition and being the grounds for the Museum of Science and Industry is now the site of the Barack Obama Presidential Center. In 2018 reworking of roads and pedestrian ways in Jackson Park was approved by the City of Chicago Council that will accommodate the planned Obama Presidential Center. The $175 million Jackson Park Mobility Improvements project included widening S. Lake Shore Drive and Stony Island Drive, reconfiguration of Hayes Drive, new pedestrian walkways and underpasses, ADA improvements, closures of roadways and reconfiguration of intersections.
As part of the CNECT team, GSG is providing environmental and geotechnical services including performing Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) investigations, a Phase II ESA and a Preliminary Site Investigations (PSI), and conducted geotechnical studies for the planned structures and improvements. The Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) for the Site included collecting soil samples and installing temporary groundwater wells. The soil and groundwater samples were compared to and subsequently classified according to the IDOT Standard Specification Section 669.05 and completed a Soil Management Plan identifying the classification of soil and groundwater disposal requirements for the project.
Geotechnical investigations were completed in order to provide an assessment of the site conditions, foundation and construction recommendations for the roadway and underpass improvements at the park.
Additionally, GSG’s Natural Resources department performed a wetland delineation identifying 4 wetlands, 1 pond, and Lake Michigan associated lagoons. A tree survey was permed as well with over 600 trees identified based on species, size, canopy width and condition of structure and health.