St. Patrick's Island

A fully restored 31-acre natural sanctuary on an island in the Bow

All-but-forgotten treasure re-emerges as award-winning, amenity-rich and bio-diverse park space.

Overview

A wildly versatile placemaking space in East Village

In 2015, CMLC completed a wholesale restoration of St. Patrick’s Island—a key component of our Rivers District placemaking strategy. We created walking and biking trails, a plaza and amphitheatre, play areas, an elevated rise and restored river channels. The park now hosts more than 75 annual events and programs—festivals, guided nature walks, family picnics and so much more.

Location

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    A major master-planned public amenity

    In 2010, we began work on a master plan for the 31-acre urban park—a vision brought to life by W Architecture (New York) and Civitas (Denver).

  • 2

    Elevating our programming commitments

    The Rise—a grassy knoll, nine metres high—is a perfect setting for community celebrations, performances, movies in the park… and sledding!

  • 3

    A prominent piece from our public art program

    Near the island’s western entrance stands Bloom—a 23-metre permanent art installation that provides a focal point and soft ambient lighting.

  • 4

    A study in environmental sustainability

    Designed to provide inner-city habitat that nurtures biodiversity, the island is home to more than 450 species of plants and animals.

Media & Recognition

Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre for Architecture
Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre for Architecture

International Architecture Award 2017

National Urban Design Award
RAIC | IRAC Logo

Sustainable Development 2016

Fast Company
Fast Company

Design Award, Honourable Mention 2016

CBC
Global News

District

Dates

Broke ground January 2013Completed July 2015

Project Team6

  • W Architecture
    W Architecture
    Design Consultant
  • Civitas Studio
    Civitas Studio
    Design Consultant
  • Arcadis
    Arcadis
    Design Consultant
  • Marmot Construction
    Marmot Construction
    General Contractor
  • Matrix Solutions
    Matrix Solutions
    Environmental Engineer
  • RJC
    RJC
    Structural Engineer

Articles8

  • St. Patrick's Island Celebrates Grand Opening

  • Revitalized St. Patrick's Island Ready to Reopen

  • New public art installation "Bloom's" on St. Patrick's Island

  • East Village 2015 Outlook

  • Landscape Architect Named for St. Patrick's Island Redevelopment

Resources2

  • Cover of the St Patrick's Island Master Plan

    St. Patrick's Island Master Plan

    Published

  • Cover of St Patrick's Island a Master Plan

    St. Patrick's Island Engagement Report

    Published