Current Capital Improvement Projects

Scoville Park World War 1 Monument Restoration

Rededication Ceremony
The Oak Park and River Forest communities are invited to celebrate the rededication of the Scoville Park World War I monument, "Peace Triumphant" at 2pm on November 7th at Scoville Park. Following the Rededication Ceremony, a reception will be held at the Hemingway Museum. All are welcome.

Project History
Shortly after the 4th of July, 2009, restoration of the World War 1 Monument which stands on the knoll at Scoville Park, began. This restoration has been needed for 15 years or longer because of the weathering and deteriorating condition of the bronze and shifting of the granite elements (steps and blocks for the plaques) in the base of the monument.

This project is being completed by Conservation of Sculpture & Objects Studio (CSOS) of Forest Park, Illinois, in an amount not to exceed $320,000, with $240,600 representing the estimate of the cost of the work to be completed; and $79,400.00 representing possible unforeseen conditions funded through the PDOP Capital Improvement Plan. CSOS was hired based on their expert skills and experience as a conservator and pricing after going through a legal advertised Request for Proposals/bidding process.

This bronze and granite memorial designed by Gilbert P. Riswold was dedicated on November 11, 1925 and includes the names of 56 Oak Park and River Forest residents who gave their lives and the 2,446 individuals who served in all three branches of service. As part of the celebration Ed Avis, a member of the citizens committee planning the rededication, is compiling the stories of as many of the individuals whose names appear on the monument as possible. If you have information about any of these World War I veterans please call him at 708 218-7755 or email him at edavis@edavisassociates.com.

(History of the Monument)

Project Update

• The bronze figures, plaques and granite have been cleaned and refurbished. The small base plaques were installed in late June.
• The large plaque facing north on the vertical portion of the monument has been properly secured with a few new heavy duty anchors. Previously this plaque was unstable with the original anchors holding the heavy plaque in place.
• The large corner base blocks for the main vertical piece have been reset.
• The north and south side stairs have been removed and the foundation rebar and concrete have been restored. A drainage system has been installed under the north and south stairs.
• The east and west stairs have also been removed and the foundation rebar and concrete restored.
• Due to unforeseen conditions and colder conditions for materials, the project has been delayed. The tentative date for project completion is September, 2010.

The cost of the project is estimated to be $240,600 with additional funds available for unforeseen conditions, not to exceed a total of $320,000.

Park Availability
Construction fencing will encompass the monument, however, Scoville Park will remain open to the public during the project. Work is estimated to be complete in September 2010.

Project Team
The Working Group for this project is comprised of Don Maynard of Garapolo Maynard Architects; Steve Kelley and Rachel Will of Wiss, Janey, Elstner Associates; Michael Fus of the Chicago Park District; and Gary Balling, Michael Grandy and Neil Adams from the Park District of Oak Park.

The services of Garapolo/Maynard Architects, Oak Park, IL have been retained for this project to assist in the formulation of the Request for Proposal documents. The services of Wiss, Janey, Elstner Associates, Chicago, IL have also been retained to assist in the assessment of foundation and drainage conditions. Walker Restoration Consultants produced a structural investigation report of the memorial in August 2006. Conservation of Sculpture & Objects Studio, Forest Park, IL, is completing the conservation work.

Timeline

Project began	July 6, 2009
Project completed by	September , 2010

Restoration Photos

Click here to see a video of the lazer cleaning performed on the bronze eagle on the monument

Click on the image at left to read an article about the Scoville Park World War I Monument from the "American Stone Trade," issued December 1925.