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Chicago, IL, 60654

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Chicago's honorary brown street signs, days, and commemorative honors; the who, what, where, when and why.  Honorary Chicago guide book, maps, biographies, history, trivia, tours, and gifts.

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Adolfo 'Shabba Doo' Quinones

Linda Zabors

Aldofo Quinones “Shabba Doo” was one of the dancers who made the Locking style of dance famous and is considered by many to be “The Godfather of Street Dance.” He and his sister, Fawn, were dancers on the groundbreaking television show “Soul Train.” He was known as “Shabba Doo” and he was one of the founding members of the Lockers, until it disbanded in 1976. His breakthrough role as an actor was when he played Ozone in the films Breakin’ (1984) and Breakin 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984). He directed and appeared in “Rave - Dancing to a Different Beat” (1993). Shabba Doo appeared in several movies in and was an innovator in dance and choreography for movies, television, and music videos through the 1980s; including videos for Madonna (Who’s That Girl, 1987), Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan (1984), and Three 6 Mafia’s performance at the Academy Awards (2006).

He was born in Chicago to African American and Puerto Rican parents, and was raised in the Cabrini-Green housing projects. He moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s when Soul Train relocated to LA from Chicago.

Adolfo is considered the Godfather of Street Dance which ushered in break dancing in the 1980s and the genre of Hip Hop music.

Alum:
Cooley Vocational High School
Lincoln Park High School (Previously Robert A Waller High School)


Honorary Adolfo 'Shabba Doo' Quinones Way

The intersection of West Ohio Street and North Wolcott Avenue, on the northeast corner of the Intersection (at 600 N Wolcott Ave and 1900 W Ohio St

Northeast corner of West Ohio Street and North Wolcott Avenue

 

Approved: December 2022

Ward: 1
Alderman: La Spata
Neighborhood: West Town


b. May 11, 1955
d. December 29, 2020. Age 65.


Source
Wikipedia - Shabba Doo

20222966 revised to 20223713

Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church

Linda Zabors

Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1954 by J.M. Stone, who was a friend of Martin Luther King, Sr. in Georgia.

This was the first Chicago church where Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. gave speeches during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. It supported the Chicago Freedom Movement which focused on fair housing. King moved to Chicago in 1966. The Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968. The pulpit used by Martin Luther King, Jr. is on display as are photos of Reverends King and Stone.

The building was originally built as a Jewish Synagogue when the neighborhood population was largely Jewish. Many of the original stained glass windows and interior light fixtures are original and feature the Star of David and the menorah. Stone Temple MBC retains a connection to the Jewish community and continues to hold events which honor major Jewish holidays.

The building was designated a Chicago Landmark in 2016. It was built by Joseph W. Cohen & Company Architects in 1926.

The Senior Pastor, Derrick Milas Fitzpatrick, is the grandson of the founder J.M. Stone.

Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago

Photo credit: Honorary Chicago/Linda Zabors, October 2022



Honorary Stone Temple Way

Douglas Boulevard between Central Park Avenue and Millard Street

 

Approved:

Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood: North Lawndale

Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church
3622 W. Douglas Boulevard


Source

Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church
Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago 2022

https://enewspf.com/latest-news/stone-temple-baptist-church-to-be-considered-for-landmarks-honor/

Ronald Everette McKee, Sr.

Linda Zabors

Ronald Everett McKee, Sr. aka. Ronnie, Rem, and Coach was a very active community member who coached sports at several Chicago Park District locations and schools: Altgeld Park, Austin Park, Garfield Park; LaFollette Park, Union Park, and LeClaire Courts Fieldhouse.

He led several teams to State Championships. In addition to sports, he taught his students about life and black history. He was the first black sports captain of his high school where he was on the wrestling team.

In 1987 he was a candidate for 12th Ward Alderman.

Alum:
Kennedy High School


Honorary Ronald Everette McKee, Sr Way

South Leamington Avenue, from West 44th Street to West 45th Street

 

Approved: September 2022

Ward: 22
Alderman: Rodriguez
Neighborhood: Archer Heights


d. March 4, 2019


Source

20222439
R814

Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable

Linda Zabors

Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable was the pioneer credited as being the first non-native resident of what is now Chicago. He developed his property on the north bank of the Chicago River near the shores of Lake Michigan (ca. 1779)

In 1673 Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet explored this region and noted it’s good location as a trade route through the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River.

DuSable was born (ca. 1745) in what was the French Carribean colony, now know as Haiti, to a woman of African descent and a French mariner. He was educated in France and came to the United States around the early 1770s to make his fortune. He entered the New World through the port at New Orleans and made his way up the Mississippi River to Illinois. It was there he married his wife Kitihawa, a Potowatomi woman. They built a house and raised their two children in the area which is now Chicago.

At the time, fur trading was big business. In 1627 The Company of New France was established in what is now Montreal, Canada, which setup operations to source furs from the new world.

During the American Revolution he was arrested by the British, and for a while imprisoned at Fort Mackinac in Michigan before returning to Chicago. DuSable was a neutral party and had been involved in peace negotiations with native tribes.

In addition to his native French, DuSable spoke English, Spanish, and several tribal languages, all of which served him well in his trading business. DuSable was a very successful. In 1800 he sold his property and moved down the Mississippi, ultimately to Missouri, where he spent his last days. In 1968 a historic marker was placed at his gravesite.

The DuSable cabin was featured in an exhibit at the 1933 World Fair in Chicago “Century of Progress,” where he was recognized as Chicago’s first permanent resident. He was officially recognized by the City as Chicago’s founder on March 1, 2006.

Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable sketch portrait

Photo (public domain): Andreas 1884. Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable portrait

b. ca. 1745 in St. Marc, San Dominigue (Haiti)
d. August 28, 1818 in St. Charles, Missouri. Approx age 73.

Several sites and organizations in Chicago are named for DuSable


Pioneer Court

This is the location where Dusable built the house where he lived with his wife and children. He developed his estate which included his trading business, barns, garden, orchard, stables, smokehouse, dairy, bakehouse, and where he employed others to work on his property.

He lived here for about two decades. His wife, Kitihawa (Catherine), was a member of the Potowatami Native American tribe. They were married in a tribal ceremony and later in a Catholic ceremony in Illinois in 1778. They had two children, a son, Jean, and a daughter, Suzanne. His granddaughter Eulalie Pelletier was born in 1796.

In 1789 he bought an additional 400 acres of property; this area was now part of the United States.

DuSable sold his property in 1800 and moved downstate. His property was later owned and occupied by John Kinzie (for whom Kinzie Street is named), the Kinzie family lived there until they fled during the Fort Dearborn Massacre of 1812. When Kinzie sold the property in 1834 it extended from the Lake to approximately Chicago Avenue at State Street.

 

Honorary Dusable Bridge

Michigan Avenue crossing the Chicago River to Wacker Drive

 

Approved: 2010

Ward: 42
Alderman:
Neighborhood: Magnificent Mile

The bridge crossing the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue opened in 1924. It was the world’s first double-deck traffic moveable bridge.

Photo: Honorary Chicago / Linda Zabors 2020. Honorary DuSable Bridge (raised) over Chicago River


Map image: OpenStreetMap.org Contributors 2022, annotated: Honorary Chicago

DuSable Harbor

DuSable Harbor is located just south of the mouth of the Chicago River and the Coast Guard Headquarters at the Chicago Lakefront. DuSable Harbor is managed by the Chicago Park District.

DuSable Founders Way

The river esplanade on the north bank of the Chicago River between the Honorary Dusable Bridge and DuSable Lake Shore Drive is called DuSable Founders Way.

DuSable Park

DuSable Park, a parcel of lakefront land near the Ogden Slip on the north bank of the Chicago River near Lake Point Tower, was dedicated in 1987 by Mayor Harold Washington. The 2005 redevelopment of the park was stalled after the a nearby real estate financing fell through and when the site was determined to be in need of environmental remediation. Efforts are underway to develop this park.


Jean Baptiste Pointe Dusable Lake Shore Drive

Rededicated in 2021

Lake Shore Drive dates back to the early days of Chicago history. It is a famous street which runs along the shores of Lake Michigan. It was renamed to honor DuSable, as Chicago’s first non-native resident, in 2021.


Dusable Museum

Founded in 1961 as the Ebony Museum of Negro History and Art, the museum was renamed in honor of Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable.


Dusable High School

Built in 1935 as the New Wendell Philips High School, an expansion of the original school.

The following year, on April 25, 1936 the New Wendell Philips High School was renamed in honor of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, as the founder of Chicago.

Many famous people attended this school, DuSable Hall of Fame. The building received Landmark Status in 2012.


DuSable Postage Stamp

In 1987 a 22-cent US postage stamp was issued in honor of Jean Baptist Pointe DuSable.


Albert D. Tyson, III

Linda Zabors

Reverend Albert D. Tyson, III was the former Pastor of St. Stephens African Methodist Episcopal Church in Chicago and the Presiding Elder of the 4th Episcopal District.

Reverend served on several civic, educational, and health boards in addition to his ecumenical leadership positions. He was a member of the NAACP and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Alumni:
Garrett Evangelical Seminary, Evanston, Illinois
Monrovia College, Liberia - Honorary Degree
Newark State College, New Jersey


Honorary Presiding Elder Albert D. Tyson, III. Way

North Albany Street at West Washington Boulevard

 

Approved: 2021

Ward: 27
Alderman: Burnett
Neighborhood: East Garfield Park

St. Stephen AME Church
3042 W. Washington Boulevard


b. June 26, 1948
d. June 21, 2019. Age 70.


Source
https://www.thechristianrecorder.com/transition-of-rev-albert-d-tyson-iii-1948-2019/

Phillip Jackson

Linda Zabors

Phillip Jackson was the founder of the Black Star Project and a former Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) and Chief of Education for the City of Chicago. Prior to entering pubic service he had a 24-year career with Kroch’s and Brentano’s booksellers, rising from stock room to Sr. Vice President of Operations.

Among his numerous recognitions, he was honored as an Education Champion of Change at the White House during the Barack Obama administration, and as Education Man of the Year at the Bud Billikin Parade.

In 1996 he started the Black Star Project to eliminate the education gap among low income black and latinx youth. Black Star focused on tutors, mentors, and parents - including the Million Father March, taking their kids to school on the first day of the school year. Educational programs include: Saturday University, Math Boot Camp, Reading Academy, and private tutoring.

Phillip Jackson was born into the Altgeld Garden public housing project in Chicago and later lived in the Bronzeville neighborhood.

Education:

National Lewis University
Roosevelt University
DuSable High School
Chicago Public Schools



Honorary Phillip Jackson Parkway

35th Street between South Rhodes Avenue and Martin Luther King Drive

 

Approved: April 2021

Ward: 4
Alderman: Sophia King
Neighborhood: Bronzeville

Black Star Project
3509 S. Martin Luther King Drive

b. September 22, 1950. Chicago.
d. November 4, 2018. Age 68.


Source

Black Star Project
Block Club Chicago
TheHistoryMakers.org
GameChangersProject.org

Timuel Black

Linda Zabors

Timuel Black was a black historian, professor, Civil Rights activist who lived on the South Side of Chicago and lived to be 102 years old.

His family moved to Chicago from Birmingham, Alabama when he was a year old; they were fleeing racial segregation and seeking better education for their children.

Timuel Black helped organize more than 2,500 Chicagoans to attend the Martin Luther King March on Washington. He also worked on the campaign that elected Chicago’s first black Mayor, Harold Washington.

As a soldier in WWII, he was moved by the atrocities he saw in Europe as a result of the Nazi regime; he dedicated his life to civil rights.

He was on the faculty at City Colleges of Chicago

Timuel Black is the author of several books, including: Bridges of Memory (two volumes) and Sacred Ground

Education:

University of Chicago

Roosevelt University

DuSable High School

Wendell Phillips High School

Englewood High School

Burke Elementary

Veteran: WWII, Army. Europe - Invasion of Normandy and Battle of the Bulge


Photo Credit: CC0 Timuel Black


Honorary Timuel Black Way

4800 to 5000 South State Street

 

Approved: November 2012

Ward: 3
Alderman: Dowell
Neighborhood: Bronzeville

b. December 7, 1918. Birmingham, Alabama
d. October 13, 2021. Age 102. Chicago


Rosie Lee Atchison

Linda Zabors

Rosie Lee Atchison was born in Mississippi, the second oldest of 27 siblings and half-siblings, but spent most of her astounding 109 years on earth in Chicago’s Bronzeville and Englewood neighborhoods - this included residing in The Mecca Building, The Robert Taylor Homes, and eventually purchasing her own two-flat. She was known as “Big Ma” and lived long enough to see the birth of 5 generations and 202 of her direct decedents: 5 children, 18 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, 95 great-great-grandchildren, and 24 great-great-great-grandchildren.

Rosie grew up working in the fields of Mississippi and attending church before bringing her two children to Chicago in 1935. In Chicago she remarried and worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad until she retired in 1970 after 30 years of service. Rosie and her husband were very active in the community and were known to offer a helping hand to those in need, and kept neighbors safe and fed. They were members of the Greater Salem Missionary Baptist Church, where Rosie sang in the choir.


Honorary Rosie Lee Atchison

South Marshfield Avenue between West 61st Street and West 63rd Street

 

Approved: March 2021

Ward: 15
Alderman: Raymond Lopez
Neighborhood: West Englewood

b. August 15, 1911 in Bolivar, Mississippi
d. November 23, 2020. Age 109. Chicago


Archbishop Lucius Hall

Linda Zabors

Lucius Hall was the founded of the First Church of Love and Faith, in Chicago’s Auburn-Gresham Neighborhood in 1980, one year after becoming a minister. Lucius was the Executive Director of the Head Start program at his church. In 2010 he became an Archbishop by the Metropolitan Spiritual Churches of Christ, inc. For twenty years (1990-2010) he was the Executive Director of Chicago Gospel Fest. During the same timeframe, he served as Chairman of City of Chicago Personnel and Human Resources Board under two Chicago Mayors.

Music was a huge part of Lucius’ life and his ministry. As a teenager he was a radio announcer and later the Channel 26 WCIU producer and host of the “Rock of Ages Gospel Hour.” In 1979 he founded the Broadcast Ministries Alliance, and later hosted the groups Cable TV program.

After serving in the US Army he had a thirty year career with the Veterans Administration. He became a minister in 1979 and founded or co-founded several programs and organizations including: one of the first food pantries in his neighborhood, and an international organization of US and West African churches - The First Spiritual Churches of Truth, Inc.

Veteran: Army, Military Police

Born in Chicago

Alumni:
Burke Grade School
DuSable High School
University of Illinois at Chicago
Gospel Outreach Theological Institute. Houston, TX (Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree)


Honorary Archbishop Lucius Hall

West 79th Street, between South Seeley Avenue and South Hamilton Avenue

 

Approved: February 2021

Ward: 18
Alderman: Curtis
Neighborhood: Auburn-Gresham


d. April 2, 2020. Age 87.

The First Church of Love and Faith
2140 West 79th Street


Henry L. Coleman, Sr. Way

Linda Zabors

Henry Coleman and his brother George started the Coleman Barbecue restaurant to bring real southern cooking to Chicago. In the beginning, Henry worked full-time at Brach’s Candy Company in addition to the restaurant. They grew the single location into 4 restaurants in Austin and Maywood, only two still remain. Henry’s children have kept the restaurant going.


Honorary Henry L. Coleman, Sr. Way

West Chicago Avenue from North Menard Avenue to North Waller Avenue

 

Approved: May 2018

Ward: 29
Alderman: Taliaferro
Neighborhood: Austin

b. October 30, 1943. Dermott, Arkansas
d. August 15, 2012. Age 68

Near
Coleman’s BBQ #2
5820 W. Chicago Avenue


Edward G. Irvin

Linda Zabors

Edward G. Irvin was a journalist and founder of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraterity. The Edward G. Irvin Foundation was founded in 2001, it is the philanthropic division of the Chicago Alumni of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

Founder Edward Giles Irvin Speech (by Kenny McCain)

Honorary Edward G. Irvin Way

East 67th Street, from South Marquette Road to South Rhodes Avenue

 

Approved: June 2017

Ward: 20
Alderman: Cochran
Neighborhood: Englewood

b. 1893. Indiana
d. 1983

Near
Edward G. Irvin Foundation


Irma and Willie Pickens Way

Linda Zabors

Willie Perkins was a famous Chicago Jazz Pianist. His wife Irma, was his producer.

He taught music theory and performance throughout his career including: a collaboration between public high schools and Ravinia, and at Northern Illinois University.

Other collaborations included major Jazz Festivals around the world, the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, and the Willie Pickens Trio.

YouTube playlist: Willie Pickens. Honorary Chicago channel

Willie - Alumni
Milwaukee Conservatory of Music
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Veteran: U.S. Army, Army band -Clarinet


Honorary Irma and Willie Pickens Way

5600 S. Kimbark Avenue

Approved: 2018

 

Ward: 5
Alderman: Hairston
Neighborhood: Hyde Park

Dedicated: December 2, 2018

Willie
b. 1931. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
d. December 2017. Age 86

Irma
d. 2015

Near
Their residence for more than 40 years

Mural of Willie Pickens by artist Desi Mundo, between the auditorium doors of Ray School
5631 S. Kimbark Avenue


Henrietta W. Robinson Way

Linda Zabors

Henrietta was the pastor of the New Jerusalem Pentecostal Church and a community leader in the Englewood neighborhood for fifty years. She became pastor in 1974. She had been an active member of the church for several years before she was called to the ministry. Henrietta led a range of programs for the community health and wellbeing, and Bible study, and started a Women’s Day in 1968.


Honorary Pastor Henrietta W. Robinson Way

6200 block of South May Street

 

Approved: October 2018

Ward: 16
Alderman: Foulkes
Neighborhood: Englewood

d. March 6, 2001

Near
6201 S. May Street
New Jerusalem Pentecostal Church


Source

Ramona Rouse Way

Linda Zabors

Ramona Marquitta Rouse owned and operated the Salon Pastiche in the Rogers Park neighborhood for 23 years. She supported local artists through Sungold Pastiche, the Roman Susan Art Foundation has a tribute art installation at the salon. Ramona was born in Chicago in the Old Town neighborhood, and grew up in in the early scattered site public housing integrated in Lincoln Square. She easily befriended her customers and neighbors and was well regarded in the community.

Alumni
Immaculate Conception Grammar School
Lincoln Park High School
National Lewis University
Pivot Point Academy

Dignity Memorial: Tribute video


Honorary Ramona Rouse Way

Loyola Avenue between Sheridan Road and Glenwood Avenue

 

Approved: September 2020

Ward: 49
Alderman: Haddon
Neighborhood: Rogers Park

b. September 15. Chicago
d. January 4, 2020. Chicago

Near
Salon Pastiche 1226 W. Loyola Avenue


Reverend Dr. David D. Clay Way

Linda Zabors

David Daniel Clay was the pastor at the Maryland Avenue Baptist Church, which he moved and renamed from the Central Avenue Baptist Church. He was born in Louisiana and spent high school in Texas before moving to Chicago and attending the Moody Bible Institute. Reverend Doctor received many invitations to preach, including one from a large Baptist congregation in Hong Kong.

His motto was: “Every saved soul is saved to help saved souls!”

Alumni:
Southern University (Baton Rouge)
Northern Baptist Theological Seminary
Moody Bible Institute


Honorary Rev. Dr. David D. Clay Way

Northwest corner of 81st St. & Maryland Ave. and Norhteast comer of 81st St. & Cottage Grove Ave

 

Approved: January 2020

Ward: 8
Alderman: Harris
Neighborhood: Chatham

b. 1913. Lousiana
d. April 2, 1972.

Maryland Avenue Baptist Church
8058 S. Maryland


Source

Coach Lewis Thorpe Street

Linda Zabors

Lewis Thorpe was the basketball coach at North Lawndale College Prep, who led the team to the 2008 state Championship. He was demanding and firm, and highly respected as a coach.


Honorary Coach Lewis Thorpe Street

 

West 16th Street between south Christiana
south Spaulding
&
south Thompson between Burkhardt and Farrar

Approved: 2020

 

Ward: 26
Alderman: Scott
Neighborhood: Lawndale

d. Age 56

Near
North Lawndale College Prep, Christiana Campus
and Collins campus in Douglas Park


SPC Henry Mayfield, Jr. Way

Linda Zabors

Army Specialist Henry “Mitch” Mayfield, Jr., from south suburban Hazel Crest, was killed in the line of duty during an al-Shabab militant group attack on Manda Bay Airfield, a U.S. base in Kenya, which killed two others and damaged six aircraft. He served as part of field operations for Operation Octave Shield, which carried out intelligence gathering and air strikes on Somalia.

Mayfield was a dynamic soldier who inspired those he served with to excel both on and off duty. The 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group will miss his leadership and camaraderie.

- Col. William Garber

Alumni:
Hillcrest High School
Northern Illinois University

Veteran: Army SPC, died serving in Kenya in 2020. Operation Octave Shield


Honorary SPC Henry Mayfield, Jr. Way

5500 block of S. Laflin

 

Approved: June 2020

Ward: 16
Alderman: Coleman
Neighborhood: Englewood

b. October 14, 1996
d. January 5, 2020
Age 23.


Clarence L . Shaffer, Sr. Drive

Linda Zabors

Clarence Shaffer was a Navy WWII veteran and former professional baseball player in the Southern Negro League. He was Deacon of The Way of The Cross Holiness Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago for 37 years, where his wife was the Pastor, W.E. Shaffer.

Veteran: Navy, WWII

Born: Mississippi


Honorary Clarence L. Shaffer, Sr. Drive

 

South Halsted between 81st to 83rd*

Approved: January 2020

Ward: 21
Alderman: Howard Brookins, Jr.
Neighborhood: South Side, Auburn Gresham

b: Mississippi July 22, 1925
d: Chicago April 16, 2012. Age 87.

Near
The Way of The Cross Holiness M.B. Church
8229 S. Halsted

* the location was amended to 81st to 83rd Street in 2021

Doris Ivy Way

Linda Zabors

Doris Ivy received a kidney transplant in 1991 and survived 27 years. She was the sister of Illinois Secretary of State, Jesse White. This life saving transplant inspired him to raise awareness and to prioritize organ transplants in his position as Secretary of State.

The sign is located near the residence where she lived, Union Missionary Baptist Church where she was a member of the choir, and not far from where as children Doris and Jesse lived when their family moved to Chicago from Alton, Illinois.


Honorary Doris Ivy Way

100 W. Oak Street

 

Approved: October 2018

Ward 2
Neighborhood: Gold Coast

 

1999 IL Secretary of State, Jesse White and his sister Doris Ivy, “Gift of Life” public service announcement (video YouTube: ODILSOS)

Chicago Sun-Times article July 3, 2018

Officer Barry D. Batson, Sr. Way

Linda Zabors

Barry Batson, Sr. was a Chicago Police Officer assigned to protect Martin Luther King, Jr. when the Reverend moved to Chicago in the late 1960s. Officer Batson would drive Martin Luther King to and from the airport, and was at his side at large public events, including Dr. King’s speech at Soldier Field. At the time there were many threats to Dr. King’s life. Late in Officer Batson’s career he was a community service officer who coached sports in the parks to kids and inspired them through his stories of Dr. King.


Honorary Officer Barry D. Batson, Sr. Way

Central Park Drive between Lake Street and Carroll Avenue

Approved: June 2018

Ward: 28
Alderman: Ervin
Neighborhood: Austin

b. December 7, 1934
d. May 29, 2005. Age 70.

Near
Garfield Park Conservatory