Landscape Information
Part of the 29-mile Chicago Boulevard and Park system conceived in the later part of the nineteenth century, Logan Square is the northern terminus of the system as it turns eastward towards Western Avenue and Lake Michigan. The square, boulevard and neighborhood were named for Civil War General and Illinois Congressman John A. Logan. The oval-shaped square, diagonally bisected by Milwaukee Avenue, is home to the Illinois Centennial Monument. The soaring, round stone column sits on a square concrete terrace, raised above grade on an earthen berm on the western half of the site. The monument was designed by architect Henry Bacon (who later designed the Lincoln Memorial) and dedicated in 1918 to celebrate 100 years of Illinois’ statehood.
Logan Boulevard and Kedzie Boulevard extend from the square, eastbound and southbound respectively, and exemplify the Chicago Boulevard plan. Largely intact both architecturally and in plan, these roads have central two-way traffic lanes with wide medians and narrower one-way streets fronting the neighborhood residences. The medians are planted with deciduous trees, lawn, and seasonal plantings at the intersections. The neighborhood’s single family homes and civic buildings are an eclectic mix of styles unique within the city. The Logan Square Boulevards Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
