The historic Garfield Park Bandstand is set to regain its former splendor with a significant $2.2 million restoration, marking a hopeful revival after decades of neglect and disuse.
Originally built 128 years ago in 1897, the bandstand has not hosted live musical performances since the 1990s. Its last significant rehabilitation occurred in the 1950s, making this restoration a monumental step in reviving the structure’s architectural legacy.
Located east of Hamlin Avenue along Music Court Drive, the bandstand features a distinct cloverleaf-shaped base made of marble and spans 1,600 square feet. The ongoing restoration includes efforts to restore the marble cladding, as well as refurbished mosaic panels on the structure’s parapet. One of the most eye-catching aspects of the bandstand—the intricate copper dome—will also be meticulously restored.
Michael Fus, a Preservation Architect with the Chicago Park District overseeing the project, expressed his admiration for the structure, calling it a “jewel box in Garfield Park.”
Designed by renowned architect Joseph Lyman Silsbee, who was once Frank Lloyd Wright’s first employer in Chicago, the bandstand showcases a unique revivalist architectural style influenced by classic designs from India and the Middle East.
This early example of public architecture aimed to provide an escape from urban life through aesthetically pleasing designs, as historian Julia Bachrach notes. According to Bachrach, the commitment to creating high-quality, beautiful structures in public parks during the late 19th and early 20th centuries is evident in the bandstand’s design.
“Concerts and public gatherings, particularly music in the park, were integral to Chicago’s cultural fabric,” she stated. The bandstand’s beautiful ornamental features embody the philosophy that every structure within these parks should be thoughtful and well-crafted, requiring both time and financial investment.
In its early years, photographs reveal crowds flocking to Music Court to enjoy performances from the bandstand. Musicians accessed the stage by ascending a spiral staircase leading to the top of the marble base, from which they played beneath the grand dome to captivated audiences.
Upon the restoration’s completion this fall, there are hopes that live music will once again fill the bandstand. While specific plans have yet to be finalized, Fus expressed optimism about revitalizing Music Court, envisioning it as a venue for farmers’ markets and public events.
The restoration project began in 2023 before facing delays due to inclement weather, but work resumed last year and continues steadily. MoDE Architects is responsible for the repair and restoration, while Marion Restoration focuses on renewing the historic mosaic panels.
Additional improvements will include new plumbing and electrical systems, updated perimeter paving, enhanced landscaping, and an accessible pathway. Furthermore, a new spiral staircase will be constructed within the bandstand.
Despite criticism directed toward the Chicago Park District about the condition of various green spaces and facilities—especially in the South and West sides—credit is due for the undertaking of this restoration in Garfield Park. The hope is that the bandstand will not only restore the architectural beauty of the original structure but also serve as a vibrant venue for the local community.
With concerts and events potentially resuming, the restoration signifies a new chapter for both the Garfield Park Bandstand and the surrounding West Side community, rekindling a cherished part of Chicago’s cultural history.
image source from：chicago
