Lincoln Park Zoo To Begin $9 Million Visitor Center Upgrade

CHICAGO, IL — A construction permit was issued Tuesday to Lincoln Park Zoo for a $9 million renovation project. A new visitor center has been designed by the Chicago-based Ross Barney Architects. The new complex will replace the tourist attraction's old center, which was built more than two decades ago.

The new complex will include guest and member services, interactive displays, washrooms, stroller rentals and an archway to provide shade.

The renovation is part of the zoo's $125 million The Pride of Chicago capital campaign to renew facilities, upgrade exhibits and green spaces, invest in the latest research and expand the zoo's donor support. The campaign's completed projects include the Hurvis Family Learning Center, Walter Family Arctic Tundra, Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove and Regenstein Macaque Forest.

The new eastern gate complex is expected to open later this summer.

Images courtesy of Ross Barney Architects