The Lagoon - now Windward Circle

This was the heart of the original canals built by Abbot Kinney.

Kinney was a developer with a special vision: in 1905 he dredged swampland to create romantic canals and islands, forming a unique seaside town: Venice of America. The KCET video gives a glimpse of Venice's colorful history.

On the banks of The Lagoon, Kinney built a wild roller coaster, the Race Through the Clouds, and brought the Midway Plaissance funhouses and rides from the Chicago Worlds Fair and St Louis Exposition. Streets of Cairo included live camel rides.

Gondolas brought visitors through the waterways. A miniature train drove visitors over bridges and around the islands.

Three buildings that now surround Windward Circle evoke wonders of the past. Architect Stephen Ehrlich 1986-89: South side: roller coaster East: Antler Hotel and North: canals dredges