HISTORY OF STREETERVILLE
Historically, Streeterville was a busy shipping port, crowded with factories and warehouses as well as some early residential buildings. Over time, industry moved away and the neighborhood was reborn with protected green spaces surrounded by dense and livable high-end luxury residential buildings, hotels, shopping and dining.
CAP STREETER
Streeterville gets its name from Captain George Wellington “Cap” Streeter, the legendary, colorful, eccentric and sometimes controversial character of Chicago history. During a sudden squall on July 10, 1886, Cap Streeter ran his boat aground near where the intersection of Superior and Fairbanks is today.
Streeterville gets its name from Captain George Wellington “Cap” Streeter, the legendary, colorful, eccentric and sometimes controversial character of Chicago history. During a sudden squall on July 10, 1886, Cap Streeter ran his boat aground near where the intersection of Superior and Fairbanks is today.
During the construction boom following the Great Chicago Fire, Cap encouraged excavation contractors to dump their rubble into the lake near his boat – even charging some of them for the privilege – eventually amassing 186 acres of newly created land along the lakefront.
Cap called the land, which did not exist on any U. S. Survey, “The District of Lake Michigan.” Cap lived here for many years, subdividing and selling lots while fighting for ownership rights against the wealthy adjoining landowners, who called him a “squatter.” He defended his claim fiercely and quite literally.
Read more about Cap Streeter here.
See Alderman Hopkins portraying Cap Streeter here.
SCULPTOR DENNIS DOWNES
The 8’ Bronze Sculpture of Cap Streeter was commissioned by Golub & Company, created and sculpted by award-winning Chicago artist Dennis Downes, Gail’s beloved late husband. Dennis was deeply inspired by the stories of Cap’s tenacity, determination and humor. He worked hard to ensure his piece captured the character authentically, wearing period clothing, and striding forward as though heading toward Lake Michigan. His Russell Terrier, Spot, is so lifelike that Streeterville dogs often bark at him as they pass by. The sculpture stands as a vivid reminder of Streeterville’s bold and unconventional origin.
Link to Dennis Downes’ studio website.
See Dennis Downes’ Celebration of Life here.
See the dedication of honorary Dennis Downes’ street sign here.
