Community Corner

Oak Forest Unveils Plans for 9/11 Memorial at City Hall

The memorial will shine light on a remnant from the World Trade Center, to be positioned near the gazebo outside City Hall.

A remnant of the World Trade Center will find a permanent home outside Oak Forest's City Hall, officials said.

The remnant will sit inside two pentagons, surrounded by the glow of LED lights. One pentagon will be made of concrete, the other filled with native grasses.

“Our ad hoc committee, which is comprised of the city’s first responder departments has been meeting for about a year to create a suitable memorial for the World Trade Center artifact,” said Engineer/Assistant Director of Public Works Darlene Milanowicz. “Once we agreed upon the concept, I worked on the drawings and plans, which were approved by the City Council.”

Mayor Hank Kuspa, with help from former state Sen. Maggie Crotty and US Sen. Dick Durbin, acquired the remnant in 2012. The artifact is currently on display inside City Hall.  

The $45,000 project will be funded by the Oak Forest Social Services Corporation. A portion of the funds will go toward upgrading the electrical system around the memorial and replacing the roof on the city’s gazebo. 

The Social Services Corporation was created in 1980 to further the common good and general welfare of Oak Forest residents by bringing civic betterments and social improvements to the city. In 2008, the corporation provided funding for the construction of the Veterans Memorial at City Hall. 

Subscribe to our email newsletter.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here