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Explore the dramatic transformation of Chicago's Grant Park and Millennium Park in this 32-minute historical documentary that uncovers the hidden infrastructure beneath one of America's most iconic urban spaces. Trace the evolution of this prime lakefront real estate from marshland and post-Great Fire landfill to a soot-covered Illinois Central rail yard, then follow the century-long battle to preserve the lakefront as "forever open, clear and free." Discover how Daniel Burnham's visionary 1909 plan, Montgomery Ward's persistent lawsuits, and generous philanthropists gradually transformed coal dust into cultural landmarks, including the construction of Buckingham Fountain in 1927 and the development of a thriving civic stage. Learn about the ambitious 1990s deck-over project that created Millennium Park, featuring Frank Gehry's Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Jaume Plensa's Crown Fountain, and Anish Kapoor's famous Cloud Gate sculpture. Delve into the complex underground world that exists beneath these attractions, including Millennium Station, the extensive Pedway system, miles of parking garages, and remnant freight tunnels from the area's industrial past. Understand how Chicago's premier public space represents both a monument to urban beauty and an engineering marvel of buried infrastructure that continues to shape the city's identity.
