UPTOWN — Graceland Cemetery & Arboretum is closed indefinitely after receiving “severe and extensive” damage during Monday’s powerful storm.
Graceland, 4001 N. Clark St., could be closed for more than a month after Monday’s storm downed trees and caused other damage to the historic cemetery.
“Our power is on but we will likely be closed for a very long period of time out of concern for safety,” Graceland’s management wrote on Twitter.
Management did not reveal the extent of the damage, but they said they are working with tree removal and landscaping contractors to “restore safety” to the grounds. A representative for the cemetery could not immediately be reached for comment Friday.
READ: 12 People You Didn’t Know Were Buried At Graceland Cemetery
Graceland was hit hard by Monday’s storm, which brought 80-mph winds that downed trees and power lines. A tornado even formed over Rogers Park during the storm.
The cemetery, which doubles as an arboretum and is a popular walking destination, lost a number of trees during the storm, management said on Twitter.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of trees here at Graceland,” management said. “Tornado-like storms often strike flatter lands and we just weren’t protected with buildings much like the rest of the city was.”
Graceland opened in 1860 and is the final resting place of many notable Chicagoans, including Daniel Burnham, architect Louis Sullivan, train magnate George Pullman and World Heavyweight Champion Jack Johnson.
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