The life and legacy of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, who is largely referred to as Chicago’s founder, is being honored at a new park just east of where the Haitian-born trader settled near the river.

It’s been nearly four decades since the idea sprouted among four Chicago natives: Chicago’s first Black mayor, Harold Washington; Washington’s brother, Ramon Price; the DuSable Black History Museum founder Margaret Burrough; and DuSable Park Advisory Committee member Peggy Montes — the only one who is still alive.

“It’s the confluence of the Ogden Slip, the Chicago River and Lake Michigan,” said Paul Montes, president of the DuSable Park Advisory Council and son of Peggy Montes. “It’s the entrance to Chicago; it’s the premier spot for entering and seeing our wonderful city.”

Located at 401 N. Lake Shore Drive, the 3.44 acres of greenery will feature a promenade, pavilion and boardwalk that memorialize DuSable and his wife through text and a statue.

The project’s lead designers, Brook Architecture and Ross Barney Architects, submitted design and construction documents this month to the Chicago Park District, inching the long-awaited development a bit closer to the finish line.

“We’re designing a space that will make you think about how you fit into Chicago’s history and Chicago’s landscape,” said Carol Ross Barney, design principal and founder of Ross Barney Architects. “The park will interpret DuSable’s life and help you understand the changes that were going on when he arrived here.”

Some major roadblocks previously stopped the park from moving ahead. Namely, the ground was toxic and needed to have thorium removed, and the seawall that surrounds the perimeter of the park needed to be replaced.

Just a couple more confirmations are needed now: the Chicago Plan Commission and the Chicago City Council.

Paul Montes feels confident both of those processes will pass smoothly, keeping the park on track to open in 2027.