Walter Netsch designed this garden, with its elliptical asphalt path and low granite benches, to feature a pond. The plan for the pond was abandoned because the northwest portion was over a major branch of the city’s electrical system under what had been Blue Island Avenue.

Originally enclosed by brick walls that were later replaced with a wrought iron fence, the redesigned grove was rededicated on September 17, 2014. The fences were removed to create a more open and welcoming space. The striking scissor staircase of Science and Engineering Offices is visible north of the grove.

In the lawn south of SEO was a small octagonal plaque dating from 1973. It commemorated a member of the Physical Plant staff: Harry W. Pearce Memorial Grove, Associate Director Emeritus, Physical Plant, Coordinator of Phase 1 Construction at Chicago Circle.

The original design for the marker had Pearce’s name at the top and the words “Memorial Grove” at the bottom in larger type than the rest of the text. When the marker was created, however, all the type was set at the same size. This execution of the plaque led to this space mistakenly being referenced as “Chicago Circle Memorial Grove” on campus maps and in campus publications. The plaque was removed during the 2014 redesign and has not yet been returned.