Restoration on three historic buildings officially began April 11 with a groundbreaking ceremony at the House of Tomorrow in Beverly Shores.
Representatives from Indiana Landmarks, the Indiana Dunes National Park, federal offices and the firms doing the work gathered to kick off the project.
Last year, Dunes National Park received $22 million from the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund for the project.
Berglund Construction, G-Force Construction and bKL Architecture will complete the restoration of Bailly Homestead, Good Fellow Camp Lodge and Century of Progress District’s House of Tomorrow.
- The Bailly Homestead, which is a national historic landmark, was built in the early 19 century. It first served as a trading post between Chicago and Detroit. Restoration will include structural integrity, and upgrades to accessibility, energy efficiency and sustainability.
- The Good Fellow Camp Lodge was a summer camp for children of employees at the U.S. Steel Co. from 1941 to 1976. The National Park Service acquired the 63-acre site in 1976 and turned it into the Dunes Learning Center. Restoration will include comprehensive efforts to preserve the architectural and historical significance of the building.
- Chicago architect George Fred Keck constructed the House of Tomorrow for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. It was moved to Beverly Shores in 1933. Restoration will include revitalization and preservation.
“As a native of Northwest Indiana, I am thankful that the restoration of these local landmarks will ensure residents and visitors can enjoy them for generations to come,” said Jeffrey Berglund, president of the business division and chief growth officer at Berglund Construction, in a press release. “Our team is honored to be entrusted with restoring these iconic buildings right in our backyard.”
Work is scheduled to be complete in summer 2025.
Caption: The House of Tomorrow, with a view of Lake Michigan in the background, is one of three restoration projects at Indiana Dunes National Park. (Provided by Indiana Landmarks)
