“Wouldn’t it be cooler if we could perform on there?” Imagine those words sparking an idea. They turned into reality right here at the Belmont Avenue Bridge. This isn’t just a bridge. It’s a stage for innovation and a testament to Chicago’s evolving spirit.
The Belmont Avenue Bridge stands at 2600 West and 3200 North. It crosses the North Branch of the Chicago River. It is about 6.8 miles from the river’s mouth. The current bridge, the fourth at this location, opened in 1976. It replaced a bascule bridge.
This fixed steel and concrete bridge has four lanes. It offers a 21-foot river clearance. The Division of Viaduct and Bridges City of Chicago designed it. Though the builders and costs remain unknown, its impact is clear.
Let’s journey back to 1875. The first Belmont Avenue Bridge appeared. Chicago’s northern border was Fullerton Avenue back then. Lake View sat to the east of the river. Jefferson was to the west. This first bridge was iron. It measured 77 feet long and 17 feet wide. The King Bridge Company designed and built it for a mere $3,290. Jefferson, Lake View, and Cook County shared the cost.
In 1889, Chicago annexed Lakeview and Jefferson. The city then took ownership of the bridge.
The second Belmont Avenue Bridge had a unique origin. It was recycled. It came from the former Canal Street Bridge. In June 1892, workers removed the Canal Street Bridge. They floated it to Belmont Avenue. It was placed on the east bank. Construction started in October 1892. Work paused but resumed in June 1893. By August, it was ready. The old Canal Street Bridge found its new home in October 1893. It was a Howe through truss swing bridge, operated by hand. It measured 200 feet long and 35 feet wide. Abraham Gottlieb designed it. The Chicago Dredge and Dock Company handled the substructure. This project cost $24,759. In June 1911, this bridge moved to an area near the North Avenue turning basin.
From 1911 to 1916, three temporary bridges stood here. The final one was dismantled on October 17, 1916.
Construction of the third permanent Belmont Avenue Bridge started in 1912. Labor strikes caused delays. Workers installed the bridge leaves on May 10, 2016. Streetcar rails, pavement, and sidewalks followed. On October 17, 1916, pedestrians and a single streetcar could cross. The superstructure finished on February 6, 2017. It officially opened on July 12, 1917. This Chicago-style double-leaf bascule bridge was electric-powered. The Division of Bridges and Viaducts City of Chicago designed it. Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company was the contractor. It cost $268,033. This bridge lasted until 1976.
North of the Belmont Avenue Bridge, two iconic businesses once thrived. River Amusement Park operated from 1903 to 1967. Henry Grebe and Company Ship Yard built pleasure craft and warships from 1926 to 1993.
Today, something extraordinary is happening under and near the Belmont Avenue Bridge. Ben Kinsinger, the self-proclaimed “River King,” transformed a concrete bridge pile into a music venue. He calls it an “island.” These “Secret River” shows delight fans. They also confuse passersby. Kinsinger brings power to the island. He uses battery-powered amps. With friends, he loads instruments onto an inflatable dinghy. They create a unique experience.
The concrete structure, a bridge pile or “dolphin,” protects the Belmont Avenue Bridge from ships. Margaret Frisbie from Friends of the Chicago River explained this. Kinsinger and Mary Tres collaborate to make these shows a reality. They blend music, photography, videography, and murals.
These guerrilla-style concerts offer discovery. People walking by or music lovers find something new. The Awesome Foundation even contributed a grant.
So, the next time you cross the Belmont Avenue Bridge, remember its layers of history. Think about the music echoing from the river. Consider the creative spirit transforming this space. This bridge isn’t just a crossing. It’s a stage for Chicago’s vibrant life.