A page from the 1913-1916 Report of the Lincoln Park Commissioners. This shelter building stood on the site of the future armory and then subsequently, today's MCA.

About the Lake Shore Playground from the Report:
Work on this playground was begun in the summer of 1907 and completed in July, 1908.  The building was erected at a cost of $13,139.08 and consists of a structure 127 feet by 68 feet, of hollow tile blocks, with a slate roof, and contains baths, locker rooms, toilet rooms, with necessary storage rooms, boiler room, etc. The ground is equipped with gymnastic frames and apparatus, wading pool, running track and athletic field. The eastern portion near the lake has been fenced off from the latter and planted with trees and shrubs, forming a quiet little park, which was used extensively during the summer season. The athletic field can be flooded for skating purposes. The entire cost of developing the playground was $27,222.47.

By permission and courtesy of the Chicago Park District Special Collections.

This page from the bound Lincoln Park Comissioners minutes pinpoints the date that the commisisoners considered demolishing the above
pictured shelter building, and also mentions that work on the Chicago Avenue Armory - here called the First Cavalry Armory - was about to commence.

By permission and courtesy of the Chicago Park District Special Collections.
A 1929 photograph of the field house that replaced the shelter building after the land was returned to the city. It stood facing Lake Shore Drive for nearly 50 years.

Excerpt from the 1913-1916 Report of the Lincoln Park Commissioners:
A beautiful brick field house facing Lake Shore Drive and overlooking Lake Michigan is now under construction. This building was designed by Mr. A.N. Rebori. It will be ready for occupancy about March 1, 1917.

By permission and courtesy of the Chicago Park District Special Collections.

This blueprint map shows detail of the soon-to-be demolished 1917 Lake Shore Park Field House.

By permission and courtesy of the Chicago Park District Special Collections.

1965: New Lake Shore Park Fieldhouse

The Lake Shore Park Fieldhouse in August 2013.

The west side of the Lake Shore Fieldhouse in August 2013