The Elks National Memorial was designed to integrate with the natural environment of Lincoln Park, which is why it was built right on the western edge of the park. It still exists within this context today, especially because its grand staircase entrance faces the park. Across the street, in the park, stands a monumental statue of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, installed in 1913, just a decade before the Elks National Memorial began to take shape. Designed by Herman Hahn, a German professor and sculptor, it depicts Goethe as a classical, god-like Greek figure, symbolizing his "Olympian achievements." It is fitting that the Elks National Memorial is built right across the street from a classically inspired statue, as they complement each other within the park setting.

Across the street from Elks National Memorial, Goethe is depicted in a classical style, and a Mies van der Rohe high-rise complex stands behind it, on the left. Photo: Gabriel Caniglia

It is also surrounded by new buildings today. Directly west of the building, in 1967, the Elks Magazine Building was constructed, designed by Holabird & Root. While also a part of the Elks organization's complex, it bears no architectural similarity to the Elks National Memorial, and is decidedly bland in comparison to the memorial building. Across the street from the Goethe monument, kitty-corner to the Elks Memorial, is a midcentury modern high-rise complex designed by Mies van der Rohe. Built in 1956, the Commonwealth Promenade Condominiums consist of two buildings in his distinctive minimalist style. These modernist buildings stand in stark contrast to the Elks National Memorial.