Name and Location

The Hollywood Avenue Breakwater Light is a historic lighthouse located in Chicago, Illinois, United States, situated on Lake Michigan's shoreline.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was constructed in 1964, making it a relatively modern addition to the city's maritime history. Its design is characteristic of mid-20th-century architecture, with a rectangular base supporting a tapered tower.

Architecture and Materials

The building's exterior features a distinctive Art Deco style, with smooth white concrete walls and a rounded lantern room. The structure was built using reinforced concrete, providing strength and durability in the harsh lakefront environment.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse is equipped with an optic lens that emits a white light beam, visible at a distance of approximately 18 nautical miles (33 kilometers). The light's characteristic pattern is a steady flash every 15 seconds, helping mariners navigate the busy waters of Lake Michigan.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse via a scenic walkway along the Lake Michigan shoreline. A small parking lot is available nearby, offering convenient access to the surrounding area.

Notable Views and Landscape

From its vantage point, the Hollywood Avenue Breakwater Light offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan's waves and the Chicago skyline. On clear days, visitors can spot nearby Navy Pier and the iconic Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower).

Technical and Operational Details

The light remains automated, with no full-time keeper stationed on site. Its primary function is to aid navigation for mariners traversing Lake Michigan, ensuring safe passage through the busy waters of Chicago's lakefront.

Further Information

• * [Wikipedia Link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_Avenue_Breakwater_Light)
• * Local historical society archives
• * City of Chicago's lakefront revitalization reports