Little Village celebrates the rehab of the landmark arch over 26th Street

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — There was a ribbon-cutting Wednesday in Little Village reopening the landmark archway that welcomes visitors to the 26th Street retail and restaurant district.

The decorative arch, designed by Mexican Architect Adrian Lozano and built in 1990, was completely refurbished. That includes the clock that was made in Mexico.

“And for the longest time, they said, ‘You guys did a beautiful job.... The clock don't work.’ Thank God, it's working,” said Ron Baltierra who was part of the crew that built the arch.

The arch was made a city landmark two years ago.

“This thing means so much to me right now,” Alderman Mike Rodriguez (22nd Ward) said. “This arch represents resilience.”

The arch has two stucco towers on the ends, capped with domed roofs. It’s tiled with a clay roof and there’s a wrought iron grill with a metal sign and the words, “Bienvenidos A Little Village,” which translates to “Welcome to Little Village.”

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