1916 - 1930

Beach Destination

In 1916 the Chicago Plan Commission heralded Clarendon Municipal Bathing Beach as proof of concept for what it described as the "Reclamation of the Lakefront for the People." Nearly half a million visitors from far and wide flocked to the beach during its first season, and the beach flourished throughout the 1920s. Yet fewer than twenty years later, Clarendon Beach was filled in for the northward extension of Lake Shore Drive and Lincoln Park, leaving the towered beach house to find a new purpose amid newly created land.

1930 - 1950

Landlocked

By 1933 Lake Shore Drive and Lincoln Park was extended north to Foster. The lakeshore was extended further out leaving Clarendon Park and its beach house landlocked. New uses had to be found for this facility and a community center was selected.

1950 - 1972

First Renovation

The Chicago Park District assumed ownership of the Clarendon Community Center in 1957. By the late 1960s the building was showing its age and needed renovations. The facility was modernized with with a streamlined look. Many decorative elements like the roof and towers were eliminated. A gymnasium was added, providing more community resources for sports. The model railroad also found a permanent space that it continues to occupy to this date.

1972 - 2018

Changing Times

Throughout the 1970s and 1980's, the Uptown community saw many changes. Urban renewal and population changes lead to some hardships as the community managed years of disinvestment. The Clarendon Park Community Center was a welcome reprieve.

2019 - 2024

Renewal and Reinvestment

The renovations completed in 1972 were showing their age. The roof and drainage systems were failing, leading to damaging floods. The last renovation was completed before ADA was enacted. Much of the building was inaccessible for those with limited mobility. In summer months the facility was sweltering without good ventilation. The facility needed renovations or it would need to be torn down.


Community meetings posed options for demolition and new facilities being constructed in place. Much advocacy occurred to save the building. In fall 2022 after many years of planning and preparations, the building closed for renovations. Construction is expected to wrap up in Spring 2024.

Photo Gallery

Historical Photos

Clarendon Beach Clubhouse, 1916

Clarendon Beach Clubhouse, 1916

Clarendon Avenue Bathing Beach, National Geographic, 1919

Clarendon Avenue Bathing Beach, National Geographic, 1919

Clarendon Beach, Wright Hydroaeroplane, 1913

Clarendon Beach, Wright Hydroaeroplane, 1913

Clarendon Beach, singing, 1927

Clarendon Beach, singing, 1927

Clarendon Beach, flying boy, 1929

Clarendon Beach, flying boy, 1929

The original Lakeview Pumping Station, 1874–1875

The original Lakeview Pumping Station, 1874–1875

Second Lakeview Pumping Station, 1965

Second Lakeview Pumping Station, 1965

Montrose Point, Chicago

Montrose Point, Chicago