With Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo winding down the holiday season as its popular Zoo Lights exhibit comes to a close the end of this week, the North Side attraction is ready to begin work on a major renovation to its eastern gate. Yesterday, a construction permit was issued for a pair of new structures penned by Chicago-based Ross Barney Architects.

The new visitor center complex at 2200 N. Cannon Drive features a shade-providing archway, guest and member services, stroller rentals, interactive displays, and new bathroom facilities. The project will replace the zoo’s old, silo-like pavilion constructed in 1994.

The $9 million East Gate upgrade is part of larger $125 million capital campaign launched by zoo leadership a few years ago. Other aspects of the plan include a new penguin house, polar bear enclosure, Japanese macaque habitat, and a learning center.

The new visitor center is expected to open later this summer.