Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Memorials Remembrance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Highland Park working group narrows designers for permanent place of remembrance
Summary
The city working group identified four firms from nearly 20 RFQ responses to design a permanent place of remembrance at the Rose Garden and a secondary site at Port Clinton Square; public engagement and interviews are scheduled for late summer.
Mayor Rotering told the City Council on July 14 that a working group has shortlisted four design firms to develop concepts for a permanent place of remembrance at the Rose Garden next to City Hall, with a subtle secondary place of remembrance at Port Clinton Square. "We marked 3 years of remembrance in a meaningful program at the Moraine," Rotering said, describing the project and the working group's role.
The decision follows community-focused research and an RFQ that drew nearly 20 submittals. Rotering said the shortlist was chosen after the working group "met last month to review responses to the RFQ and develop a shortlist." The next public working group meeting is scheduled for Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, and the shortlisted firms will present design concepts and participate in interviews later this summer.
Rotering emphasized the working group's intent to prioritize a trauma-informed approach and extensive community engagement. She listed participants supporting the effort, including Council member Tony Bloomberg, City Manager Gita Newkirk, resiliency manager Madeline Cady, Park District Executive Director Brian Roemes, and Jocelyn Center donor relations manager Gabby Valverde Stroven, and thanked assistant city manager Emily Tao and communications manager Amanda Bennett for staff support.
The city posted project materials and updates online at hpremembrance.org and said it will promote future engagement opportunities through the city's website, social media and the Highlander newsletter. Rotering asked residents with questions or input to email remembrance@cityhpil.com.
The working group's recommendation to place the primary memorial at the Rose Garden reflects feedback from victims' families, people who were injured and the broader community, the mayor said. Interviews and additional public meetings this summer will inform the final design recommendation the council will receive for review.
