Animal Bridge Fact Sheet
Original Name
South Bridge
Architect
Peter J. Weber, from Cologne, Germany. Weber also worked with the World's Columbian Exposition Authority, later joining Daniel Burnham's firm and working on the Marshall Field & Co. store and many other projects.
Engineer
Unknown, although shop drawings for the reinforcing steel were prepared by the Trussed Concrete Steel Company of Detroit, Michigan, making use of their Kahn reinforcing system.
Construction
Single 40-foot span; an early example of the use of the Kahn steel reinforcing system in an arched concrete bridge structure. The first patents for this system were taken out in 1902.
Materials
Pink St. Cloud granite and sandstone from the Kettle River Quarry Company of Minneapolis.
1871
Frederick Law Olmsted early in the year drafts his plan for Jackson Park, which is to include a system of lagoons, encircled with scenic byways and picturesque bridges.
1871
In October, the Great Chicago Fire destroys bridge plans, delaying construction at the southernmost lagoon.
1890
City commissioners select Jackson Park as the site of the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. Frederick Olmsted is charged with designing the grounds. His previous plan for Jackson Park is delayed.
1893
Millions of people visit the World's Columbian Exposition in Jackson Park.
1895
Olmsted and his firm assume the responsibility for creating a plan to return Jackson Park to a regular park. Their plans are very similar to the original 1871 concept for the park.
1903
City Commissioners announce plans to construct the South Bridge in Olmsted's plan. Area architects submit fourteen designs. On March 28, Peter J. Weber's design was accepted. His inclusion of sculptured rhinoceros, hippopotamus and water fairy heads reflects Olmsted's original plan of designing Jackson Park around water themes.
1904
Construction on the South Bridge is completed. Thomas E. Hill and Company constructed the bridge at a total cost of $40,085. Plans indicate that lampposts were intended for each of the bridge's four pillars, but they were never installed.
1947
The sidewalks on the bridge are eliminated in order to widen and realign the road for the onslaught of automobile traffic.
2001
As part of their major overhaul of South Lake Shore Drive, the Chicago Department of Transportation begins work on renovating the 98-year-old bridge, reintroducing pedestrian walkways and restoring the sculptures that adorn the sides.
2003
Restored bridge reopens to traffic and pedestrians. Cost to demolish, reconstruct and restore bridge is $6.2 million.
For more information, please visit the CDOT Web site at:
www.cityofchicago.org/Transportation.
