Oak Park is moving forward with plans to honor African American scientist Percy Julian through a streetscape design on Chicago Avenue between East Avenue and Austin Boulevard.
Percy Julian, a chemist and entrepreneur, is known for synthesizing cortisone, hormones and other products from soybeans. He registered more than 130 chemical patents in his career.
His home, now owned by his daughter, Faith Julian, is located at 515 N. East Ave. and has needed repairs and been under threat of tax sale for years. The village board recently approved setting aside $1 million in its 2025 budget for the preservation of the Julian home.
In the capital improvement plan, that the village board approved in November, the Percy Julian Streetscape project was elevated from priority level “D” to “B.”
During the village board meeting Tuesday, Oak Park hired Planning Resources, Inc. to develop a streetscape design to publicly recognize the life and legacy of Percy Julian. Hiring Planning Resources will cost the village up to $150,000.
Planning Resource’s goal with the project is to create “space to change the legacy of Dr. Percy Julian from forgotten genius to trailblazing chemist and activist.”
“We’re ecstatic to be a part of project like this one where we can contribute to the commemoration of Dr. Percy L. Julian,” said Darrell Garrison, president of Planning Resources. “Memorable spaces don’t just happen. Memorable spaces are not just by accident but they’re by thoughtful and careful planning.”
The idea of a streetscape was brought up during a board meeting in May, along with other ways to honor Julian’s legacy. Another option was to create a “Dear Old Oak Parker” Walk of Fame star.
The streetscape project could include gateways, banners, wayfinding signs, art or other site features. Jennifer Kelliher, senior landscape architect from Planning Resources, also said they want to integrate an outdoor exhibit into the streetscape that will share Julian’s story through interactive and immersive learning experiences.
Trustee Chibuike Enyia said he loves the idea to incorporate augmented reality into the design because technology is becoming more prevalent in society. Trustee Brian Straw agreed but cautioned that it will need to be kept updated so it does not feel outdated quickly.
“It would be very helpful for us to understand what the ongoing cost implications of a technology component would be,” Straw said.
Kelliher said Planning Resources intends to first research the site and learn more about Julian’s story. Then the group plans to meet with stakeholders, engage the community and analyze feedback before creating the streetscape design.
Potential funding sources for the project after design, Planning Resources outlined, include the State of Illinois, Community Development Block Grant funds, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and community foundations.
Planning Resources will also partner with TERRA Engineering, Ltd. and Prescott Group LLC during the design phase.
“We have a ton of rich history here in Oak Park,” Trustee Cory Wesley said. “[The outdoor exhibit] strikes me as something new and different.”