Sears Sunken Garden’s Historic Pergola Renovation Hits Milestone As 1st Part Of Landmark’s Overhaul

NORTH LAWNDALE — A historical North Lawndale green space is one step closer to being restored to its former glory as the first phase of a major restoration project is on track to wrap up in December. Crews working on the rehabilitation of the Sears Sunken Garden, 3312 W. Arthington St., reached a milestone Thursday as they began installing the concrete columns for its new pergola. The revamped pergola, a landmark in North Lawndale, is expected to be completed by early December, according to project organizers. The columns will be installed between two existing pavilions that will also be renovated. “The pergola is probably the most iconic feature of the garden,” said Caroline O’Boyle, associate vice president of Trust for Public Land, which has partnered with Friends of the Sears Sunken Garden to lead the project. “People in this community have come here for generations to have their family celebrations and photos taken, so people in this community really hold it dear.” C