Little Village Arch
Restoration of the landmark gateway to a culturally significant community.
The Little Village Arch is a historic street gateway spanning West 26th Street in the Little Village neighborhood since its construction in 1990. The arch, designed by Chicago artist and architect Adrián Lozano, was locally landmarked by the City of Chicago in 2022. It features two dome-capped stucco towers, decorative wrought-iron, orange mosaic tile set in a diamond pattern, clay tile roofing, and a mechanical face clock.
As the lead Historic Preservation Architect, JLK provided full-service design and construction administration of the arch’s restoration. JLK conducted archival research, reviewed historic photographs and original drawings, and completed field surveys to determine existing conditions and appropriate treatments. JLK also ensured that the project conformed with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
The project included restoration and repair of the stucco and tile cladding, restoration and repair of the decorative wrought iron and banner, restoration of the domes, in-kind replacement of the mechanical clock faces (completed by Relojes Centenario, the manufacturers of the original clock), sympathetic light fixture and electircal upgrades, and pavement replacement to ensure accessibility.
Mexican-American artist and architect Adrián Lozano designed the Little Village Arch, built in 1990. Alderman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia proposed that the design reflect the arched entrances to haciendas and religious complexes found throughout Mexico. In 1991, then-President of Mexico Carlos Salinas de Gortari visited Chicago, delivered a public address in Little Village, and gifted a bronze clock manufactured by Relojes Centenario (the oldest clock manufacturer in Mexico) to the community. It was installed in the crown of the arch with faes at both the east and west sides. The arch spans West 26th Street, a commercial street with significant economic and cultural heritage.
The Little Village Arch is a historic street gateway spanning West 26th Street in the Little Village neighborhood since its construction in 1990. The arch, designed by Chicago artist and architect Adrián Lozano, was locally landmarked by the City of Chicago in 2022. It features two dome-capped stucco towers, decorative wrought-iron, orange mosaic tile set in a diamond pattern, clay tile roofing, and a mechanical face clock.
As the lead Historic Preservation Architect, JLK provided full-service design and construction administration of the arch’s restoration. JLK conducted archival research, reviewed historic photographs and original drawings, and completed field surveys to determine existing conditions and appropriate treatments. JLK also ensured that the project conformed with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
The project included restoration and repair of the stucco and tile cladding, restoration and repair of the decorative wrought iron and banner, restoration of the domes, in-kind replacement of the mechanical clock faces (completed by Relojes Centenario, the manufacturers of the original clock), sympathetic light fixture and electircal upgrades, and pavement replacement to ensure accessibility.
Mexican-American artist and architect Adrián Lozano designed the Little Village Arch, built in 1990. Alderman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia proposed that the design reflect the arched entrances to haciendas and religious complexes found throughout Mexico. In 1991, then-President of Mexico Carlos Salinas de Gortari visited Chicago, delivered a public address in Little Village, and gifted a bronze clock manufactured by Relojes Centenario (the oldest clock manufacturer in Mexico) to the community. It was installed in the crown of the arch with faes at both the east and west sides. The arch spans West 26th Street, a commercial street with significant economic and cultural heritage.
The restored Little Village Arch exemplifies the rich cultural and social heritage of the Mexican community in Chicago.
