After six years of effort, the LPJ Chicago boathouse was officially opened and commemorated on October 20, 2005. The facility was the first boathouse built in Chicago in more than 100 years, and the first ever floating boathouse on the Chicago River. The floating boathouse is located in the back channel of the north branch of the Chicago River (North Avenue and Kingsbury).

The boathouse is dedicated to Frances (Francie) Kern Mennone and Bruce Harold Smith. Francie’s commitment and hard work as the head coach of LPJ Chicago in its formative years helped propel this team toward being a recognized power in junior rowing. Francie’s work built friendships, developed a healthy competitive atmosphere and opened previously inaccessible collegiate doors for many high school students in the Chicago area.

Bruce had a vision in 1998 to make rowing accessible to all Chicago area teenagers, regardless of their ability to pay. Bruce’s time, attention and financial support enabled LPJ Chicago to survive through the early years. His dedication to the team and to its boathouse was unparalleled at the time, and it continues to this day.

Both Francie and Bruce demonstrated unwavering efforts to build this boathouse, efforts that spanned more than six years. LPJ Chicago’s boathouse is dedicated to them because their vision, tenacity and passion were essential in creating this home for the athletes and leaders of future generations.

Contributors who shared the dream
The following individuals also made generous contributions of time, energy and support to make the project possible:
• Beth Anderson
• Lynne “The Dinz” Dinzole
• Linda Iverson
• John Mennone
• Doug Moore

A large portion of the funding for this boathouse was via a grant received from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. With considerable support from the following organizations:
• The Office of Mayor Richard M. Daley
• The Chicago Park District
• The Office of Lt. Governor Pat Quinn
• Smithfield Properties
• Chicago Rowing Foundation (formerly) Friends of Lincoln Park Boat Club
• Thomas Hickey and Associates
• Smith Construction
• LPJ Chicago Boosters
• LPJ Chicago Alumni

From humble beginnings to an award-winning team
Since its beginning in 1998, LPJ Chicago has grown from less than 20 to more than 90 high school rowers. We are a medal-winning, nationally-ranked team with a unique program that supports diversity by enabling teenagers from different backgrounds to participate in this transformative sport. Through our scholarship program, we support any student who wants to row. LPJ Chicago is one of the fastest rowing teams in the Midwest, competing nationally every year.  In recent years our organization has produced multiple rowers who have represented the United States in the Junior World Rowing Championships.  One LPJ Chicago oarswomen has won both a Gold and Bronze Medal at the event