Engineering studies show the Point's limestone block revetment can be saved!

McLaren’s Coastal Vulnerability Analysis (January 2025) applies U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Chicago Dept. of Transportation (CDOT) requirements for storm damage and shoreline protection to the existing limestone structure. It concludes that the limestone structure performs well against extreme design wave criteria and future water level estimates, as stipulated by USACE and CDOT. McLaren concludes that the entire structure can be returned to overall good condition for shoreline protection with a restoration of subgrade fill material, re-setting of select limestone blocks and installation of adequate drainage in the parkland and revetment as described in the accompanying Alternatives Design Study. Here is the Factsheet summarizing these coastal findings. Here are McLaren's credentials for this waterfront work and its resume of experience working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

McLaren’s Alternatives Design Study (January 2025) shows that repair and rehabilitation of the existing limestone structure meet shoreline protection and coastal resilience requirements, and are both feasible and cost-effective. It presents five design options that emphasize shoreline protection, coastal resilience, and minimizing maintenance costs while retaining the structure’s historic fabric, in contrast with plans proposed by USACE and CDOT. A cost-benefit analysis determined McLaren’s alternatives are likely less expensive – and certainly not more – than USACE and CDOT plans. Here is the Factsheet summarizing the conclusions of this report. Here is the cost-benefit examples showing how the mix-and-match approach to repair and rehabilitation depending on budget and condition of the section of the revetment are more economical than demolition and replacement with concrete for low-, medium- and high-cost choices.

McLaren's Condition Study (April 2024) irrefutably demonstrates that the historic limestone revetment functions in good -- at worst satisfactory -- condition for storm damage and shoreline protection right now, can be retained and repaired, and, if repaired and maintained, has another 100 years of service. It refutes the City's findings that the revetment has failed and must be replaced with concrete. Catch this Fact Sheet, summarizing key findings of the Condition Study. Peruse the Condition Study's appendices A, B, C and D. On June 5, the Conservancy also hosted a Q&A session with McLaren's engineers about the condition study for preservation agencies, preservation organizations, the Army Corps, City and Chicago Park District. Here is the recording (55 min.) 

WJE's Historic Structure Report functions as the masterplan for all design and construction work at the historic property, Promontory Point. It states that the significant historic features, materials and character of the limestone structure retain their integrity and, therefore, can and should be repaired and rehabilitated. Given the revetment’s historic significance, its integrity of structure, and its overall good condition, rehabilitation is the appropriate Secretary of the Interior preservation treatment standard. Rehabilitation would also allow changes for the purpose of Universal Access and ADA compliance while retaining and repairing the existing limestone block structure.