Ford Calumet Environmental Center, located in the Calumet Region, once a natural sanctuary filled with wetlands, has undergone significant changes due to more than a century of industrialization. Until the 1970s, there were hardly any environmental regulations. Big Marsh Park, the Chicago Park District’s largest restoration project, suffered from slag from nearby steel mills. However, in recent years, efforts have been made to restore and transform the park, creating a new path where industry, nature, and culture can coexist peacefully.
© Tom Harris
Big Marsh Park is on Chicago’s Southeast Side and offers a 45-acre bike park and a network of walking trails, providing various eco-recreation options. The Ford Calumet Environmental Center (FCEC), located at the park’s entrance, serves as a gateway and hub. Its role extends beyond welcoming visitors; it aims to educate them about the park’s history and lays the groundwork for a more sustainable future in the entire Calumet Region. © Tom Harris
Ford Calumet Environmental Center’s Design Concept
The Ford Calumet Environmental Center, which covers 9,300 square feet, is designed specifically for education and park services. It includes a permanent exhibit that showcases the site and its surroundings, classrooms, offices, a bike repair station, bathrooms, and storage spaces. The materials used in constructing the building reflect its history and future. The weathered steel on the exterior represents i...