The latest renderings of the proposed Edgewater Beachwalk have been released by architects Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill. The beachwalk plans, based on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk in Virginia, will bring back the area’s lakefront promenade, which was demolished in the early 1950s to make way for Lake Shore Drive. Smith & Gill Architects are also behind the upcoming building at Navy Pier’s the Yard at Shakespeare Theatre.

The scope of the proposed project is to extend the lakefront park and bike path (which currently ends at Ardmore Avenue) to Devon Avenue. The plans include new beaches, a beach house, a docking area, a dog park and acres of new lakefront green space.

Edgewater Beachwalk Chicago Group , which is behind the beachwalk push, has been at work collecting signatures and trying to gain area support. The organization believes the project will not only make the lakefront more accessible to all residents, but will also create a beautiful, safe route for pedestrians and bicyclists between Ardmore and Devon.

Alderman Harry Osterman’s office, though in support of the beach walk idea, told DNA info that the project is not a priority. He believes there is just not enough funding right now for such an ambitious project. Instead, the Alderman is diverting any available funds towards Chicago Public Schools, which are facing a significant budget crisis.

Edgewater Beachwalk Chicago Group will be holding upcoming events in support of the project:

• The first open house will be held at Berger Park on Wednesday, June 1, at 7 p.m. in the south mansion near Granville and Sheridan. Smith & Gill renderings will be unveiled for public and media inspection.

• At noon on Friday, June 3, at Berwyn and Sheridan (east sidewalk in front of The Breakers strip mall and Park Tower), the members will kick off a guided walking tour of the future lakefront project improvements from Berwyn Avenue to Rosemont Avenue.

• Ice cream social fundraiser at the Anna Held Fountain space at Edgewater Beach Apts. on Saturday, June 25, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Cost $5.