IL SR1204

Dennis McClendon of Chicago passed away on August 8, 2024; he was born July 23, 1957, in Texarkana, Arkansas to Noble Lester and Merida McClendon.

McClendon was a renowned cartographer and designer who founded Chicago CartoGraphics and created maps for the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), and Chicago Department of Transportation, including the original Chicago Bike Map.

He was a recognized Chicago history expert who lectured on topics including railroad stations, bridges, World's Fairs, and Burnham's 1909 Plan for Chicago, and maintained a significant online presence as "MrDowntown" on Reddit.

McClendon served as a certified tour guide, volunteer disk jockey for CRIS Radio, member of the North American Cartographic Information Society (NACIS), and mentor to Young Professionals in Transportation.

The Illinois Senate mourns his passing and extends condolences to his surviving family members: his mother, sister Denise Carriveau, nephews David and Michael Carriveau, and niece Sara Monfries.