January 2018 Month-in-Review Newsletter
Advocacy
WIN: Cook County Hospital to be Saved and Adaptively Reused (Chicago 7 2003 and 2004)
Preservation Chicago Rally for Cook County Hospital in 2003, Photo Credit: Chris Walker / Chicago Tribun e
After 15 years of advocacy and vacancy, historic Cook County Hospital, located at 1825 W. Harrison Street, will be adaptively reused. Cook County Hospital has been the focus of Preservation Chicago’s advocacy since it was a Chicago 7 Most Endangered Building in both 2003 and 2004, as well as the focus of our preservation partners Landmarks Illinois, Antunovich Associates, and others.  

A 99-year lease was awarded on December 31, 2017 to private development consortium called Civic Health Development Group (CHDG), which is led by Chicago-based developer John T. Murphy and includes Walsh Investors, Murphy Development Group, MB Real Estate, Plenary Group and Granite Companies.

Cook County Hospital was designed by Chicago architect Paul Gerhardt who designed many buildings in Chicago including Lane Tech High School. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places which allows the redevelopment project to use millions of dollars of federal historic tax credits. Preservation Chicago strongly encourages the development team to nominate this building as a Designated Chicago Landmark to take advantage of additional tax benefits and to provide long-term protection.

The heavily ornamented Classical Revival style façade includes granite, white glazed terra cotta, cream-colored brick, massive columns and wonderful ornament. At one time it was the largest hospital in the nation, and Cook County Hospital has made appearances in movies such as "The Fugitive", with Harrison Ford, and served as the setting of the long-running hit television show "ER". Cook County Hospital served as an innovator in the medical field and was the site of the nation’s first Blood Bank in 1937 and the nation’s first Trauma Unit in 1966.

Located in the heart of the Illinois Medical District, the $130 million dollar redevelopment plan will renovate the historic Cook County Hospital building and includes a large hotel, administrative/medical offices, and ground floor retail.

“With the signing of this lease, we can look forward to restoring this amazing building and its historic architecture. Additionally, the redevelopment of Old County Hospital will unlock tremendous economic potential for the Near West Side and the Illinois Medical District,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. (Sneed, Chicago Tribune, 1/11/18)

Preservation Chicago applauds Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Cook County Board for this important decision. This marks a significant reversal from the Board’s past position and actions. In 1994, the Illinois Medical District, an agency designated by the State of Illinois, decided that the old Cook County Hospital required demolition. No report or study was made public that showed the reasons for the agency to make this determination. 

Construction of a new Cook County Hospital followed and opened in 2002. On August 1, 2002, the Cook County Board of Commissioners voted to grant a $2.9 million dollar contract to a consulting firm to plan for the demolition of the old Cook County Hospital. Demolition was expected to cost between $11 and $25 million dollars. The land under the main building was planned to be converted to park space. The rear wings of the main building were demolished in 2008.

Although the administration of former Cook County Board President Todd Stroger had approved a $108 million dollar plan to rehab old Cook County Hospital for administrative offices, the incoming administration of Toni Preckwinkle put all capital construction projects on hold shortly after taking office in December, 2010. Then, on April 21, 2011, it was reported that old Cook County would indeed be rehabbed as part of a $683 million multi-year capital improvement campaign. However, during the intervening years and with the building redevelopment stalled, concern has been rising within the preservation community about the fate of this important and beautiful historic building.

After a long and complicated advocacy effort, Preservation Chicago is thrilled that old Cook County Hospital will be saved.

Additional Reading

URGENT THREAT: Slight Chance for 11th Hour Facade Save from Burnham Designed Chicago Machinery Building!
Chicago Machinery Building, Designed by D.H. Burnham & Co., 1217 W. Washington Boulevard,
Photo Credit: Gabriel X. Michael
A demolition permit was issued on January 23, 2018 for 1217 W. Washington Boulevard, the orange-rated Chicago Machinery Building designed by D.H. Burnham & Company in 1910. This three-story commercial and industrial building has an beautiful façade with highly decorative ornament and an elaborately detailed cornice. The white glazed brick contrasts beautifully with the maroon-colored ornament and arched window openings. 

“It’s tragic the developer, the alderman and the city didn’t have the wherewithal to save a building by D.H. Burnham,” Ward Miller said. “For people not to understand it should be preserved befuddles me. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. You can’t have another one. You’re depleting an important cultural and historical resource. At least the facade should have been saved. It’s tragic.” (Freund, Curbed Chicago, 2/1/18)

Efforts by Preservation Chicago to affect a preservation-oriented outcome and prevent the demolition of this outstanding historic building have yielded little results. Then on Thursday, February 1, 2018, conversations with the owner/developer yielded a slight opening. The development team declined the possibility selling the building or incorporating the historic façade into the planned new construction. 

However, the owner/developer offered to donate the façade, if a third-party could be identified that would take the facade immediately and cover the full cost of disassembly, estimated at $300,000. Preservation Chicago was given a deadline of Monday, February 5, 2018 to solidify a plan. Preservation Chicago is now working in collaboratively with the the owner/developer to find a preservation-oriented outcome.

Despite the incredibly narrow timeframe, Preservation Chicago mounted a highly rapid campaign to identify a possible end-user that could save this facade given these constraints. It is understood that the likelihood of success is perhaps limited, but every effort must be undertaken to avoid the potentially tragic loss of this building, especially considering this outstanding architect, beautiful aesthetics, and excellent condition.

The effort has reached a wide audience through social media and print media. Preservation Chicago's tweets regarding this opportunity have generated over 20,000 tweet impressions to-date and the story was picked up by both the Chicago Sun-Times and Curbed Chicago which published articles on Thursday, February 1, 2018. Additionally, Ward Miller was interviewed by WBBM Newsradio 780 on Monday, February 5, 2018.

On Friday, a developer from Detroit contacted Preservation Chicago with interest in the facade. A second Chicago-based developer also emerged with interest in the facade. Both developers appear to be have the financial resources to swiftly execute the facade removal and reconstruction. Preservation Chicago's prefered outcome would be to see the facade remain in Chicago.

The owner/developer of 1217 W. Washington Boulevard is Peppercorn Capital, which owns multiple historic properties in the West Loop neighborhood. They applied for a demolition permit on August 23, 2017 and demolition permit hold was lifted at the expiration of the 90-Day Delay. 

The building is excellent condition as it was “newly renovated by an experienced developer” in 2015. A recent rental listing further celebrates “heavy-timber loft with high ceilings and lots of character.” The building recently served as the showroom for Veeco Manufacturing, a furniture manufacturer.  

This building contributes considerably to the character to the West Loop and at a minimum and Preservation Chicago would like to see this extraordinary façade preserved as part of a larger redevelopment plan.  

According to Miller, the West Loop is home to a number of historic buildings that could possibly make up a new historic district. “We’re seeing a number of beautiful buildings come down on Washington Boulevard that could be part of a larger [historic] district. The city and staff are overwhelmed with landmark designations and just don’t have the capacity."

The character of the historic West Loop is under intense pressure from new construction. With new buildings under construction ranging from 10 to 20 or even 40 stories, historic two and three story industrial and commercial buildings on big lots are prime targets for demolition and redevelopment. There is an urgent need for a Greektown/West Loop Chicago Landmark District that would recognize, celebrate and protect this wonderful and highly endangered historic neighborhood. Downzoning would help to immediately reduce development pressure on historic properties.

Additional Reading



WIN: Chicago Tribune Building to Be Converted to Residential
Chicago Tribune Tower Complex, 435 N. Michigan Avenue, Photo Credit: Eric Allix Rogers
The Chicago Tribune Tower, located at 435 N. Michigan Avenue, is being converted into 165 residential condos with lower floor retail. This highly visible and beloved neo-Gothic skyscraper was the winning entry in a widely followed international architectural design competition. Completed in 1925, Tribune Tower has partial Chicago Landmark status which protects most of the tower exterior and main interior lobby. Solomon Cordwell Buenz is the project architect for the historic building conversion. However, two interior demolition permits were released since October 2017, so little of the historic interiors are expected to survive.

As reported by Jay Koziarz in Curbed Chicago, “Care is being taken to ensure that key historic elements of the property are retained and remain accessible to the public. It is understood that the building’s facade which is embedded with pieces of famous buildings will remain more or less intact. Some of the architectural artifacts could be relocated to other parts of the building under the redevelopment plan. Talks are underway to ensure that the tower’s landmarked lobby space will be open to the public at certain times. There are also ongoing discussions regarding the fate of Col. Robert McCormick historic 24th floor office which may be dismantled and donated to an off-site museum.” (Koziarz, Curbed Chicago, 1/25/18)

In addition to the Tribune Tower, the site includes three low-rise structures that have no landmark protection, including the four-story WGN Radio Building, the 11-story WGN TV Building, and the Printing Plant. However, 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly confirmed that they are likely to be preserved under the redevelopment plan. 

As reported in the Chicago Tribune, “the future of the Chicago Tribune sign, which spells out the newspaper’s name in large Gothic letters on the south side of the old printing plant, remains under discussion, according to Reilly and another source. The developers have expressed a desire to remove the sign, but the Emanuel administration is hesitant, noting that the sign has a historic tie to the building, one course said. Reilly said what happens to the sign will be subject to negotiations between his office and the developer but said it will remain on the building or “in a very public space in the city”.” (Kamin, Chicago Tribune, 1/25/18) 

On the adjacent parking lot to the east of the historic building, Developers CIM Group and Golub plan to build a supertall building, designed by Chicago-based Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture approximately four times as tall as the historic building. The new building would include a hotel, condos, and parking garage.

Preservation Chicago applauds Mayor Rahm Emanuel and 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly for helping to protect one of Chicago’s most visible buildings and part of a grand gateway to North Michigan Avenue. The international design competition captured the world’s attention, and it was home to one of the nation’s premier newspapers for almost a century. Special thanks to Mayor Emanuel for advocating to preserve the iconic Chicago Tribune sign.

Preservation Chicago would like to see all facades of the Tribune Tower protected by Chicago Landmark Designation. Additionally, we support the Chicago Landmark Designation of Nathan Hale Court and Building including the statue of Nathan Hale, the WGN Radio Building, the Chicago Tribune Printing Building fronting Pioneer Court along with its iconic sign, and the 11-story WGN TV Building/former Chicago American Newspaper Headquarters.

Additional Reading

THREATENED: Temptation Chocolates Building Risks Removal of Exterior Terra Cotta!
Temptation Chocolates Building, 1929 S. Halsted Street, Photo Credit: Google Street View
Temptation Chocolates Building Storefront, 1929 S. Halsted Street, Photo Credit: Google Street View
The Temptation Chocolates Building, at building 1929 S. Halsted Street, was added to the 90-Day Demolition Delay list on December 1, 2017, requesting “removal of existing terra cotta cladding and replacement of windows.” The owner is Aberdeen Development and the specifics of the redevelopment plan remain unknown.  

This orange-rated, six-story office and retail building has an outstanding white terra cotta façade with decorative neo-gothic ornamentation and a detailed cornice. Historic sconces and the original Temptation Chocolates sign adds unique character and detail at the street level.  

Chicago was once the candy capital of the world this is another example of a major Chicago industry that has nearly vanished. Recent demolitions, like the demolition of the orange-rated Brach's Candy Factory by Alfred Alschuler on Chicago's West Side and the demolition of the orange-rated Bunte Brothers Candy Factory on Franklin Boulevard by Schmidt, Garden and Martin has diminished that history and legacy.

Dating from 1916, the building was designed by architect A.L. Himelblan and built by Gallanis Brothers at a price of $120,000. It was constructed to house their highly successful chocolate company that enjoyed a reputation for “purity, fine flavor and wholesome qualities” and which had “been shipping their chocolates to all parts of the country, besides supplying an immense local trade.” (National Corporation Reporter, page 212, 3/9/1916)

Located at the corner of Halsted Street and 19th Street in Pilsen, the Temptation Chocolates Building is one of the tallest and it significantly contributes to the wonderful collection of historic buildings that makes this stretch of Halsted Street so visually compelling. It is in part because of these highly aesthetic and beautiful buildings that which has attracted creative tenants and institutions such as the Chicago Arts District, Chicago Museum of Art and Social Justice, Artspentry, Chicago Art Department, Renegade Craft Fair, Kym Abrams Design, True Productions, Studio Oh!, Art of Imagination, and many more.

Preservation Chicago will advocate to prevent the removal or destruction of this highly decorative terra cotta façade. Aberdeen Development has a focus on the conversion of industrial buildings and interest in unique historic elements that provide character and authenticity, so there cautious optimism for a good outcome.

Additional Reading
WIN: Olson Brothers Rug Factory/former Marshall Field’s Warehouse to be Converted to Mixed Uses
Marshall Field's Warehouse, 4000 W. Diversey Avenue, Photo Credit: Darris Lee Harris / Hubbard Street
The six concrete and red brick buildings of the Marshall Field’s Warehouse complex located on 22 acres at Diversey Avenue and Pulaski Road is being renovated. Renamed “The Fields”, the plan to convert the 1.5 million square foot complex is underway by Merit Partners with architect Hirsch Associates. Built for the Olson Rug Company in 1928, this site was later occupied by Marshall Field’s, until it was shuttered by Macy’s in 2008, and ultimately sold for redevelopment in 2014.  

Heading up the commercial portion of the redevelopment, Merit Partners announced that Crate & Barrel’s Chicago office will move into 117,000 square feet. Other uses include Cermak Fresh Market grocery store, self-storage, warehouses, retail and office space.  

“It’s a gorgeous building with 24-inch-round columns and 14- to 17-foot ceiling heights. We’re going to save as many of the original elements as we can. The building reeks of character.” said John McLinden, Hubbard Street’s Group founder and managing partner. (Ori, Chicago Tribune, 1/12/18)

Leading the residential development, Hubbard Street Group announced that construction would begin on the easternmost portion of the complex at 4000 W. Diversey Avenue with groundbreaking anticipated in fall 2018. The Fields Lofts will include studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments.

This is also the historic site of the much beloved and missed Olson Rug Park and Waterfall. This park featured a elaborate illuminated rock garden and 35-foot waterfall, which made it a popular Chicago attraction.

Additional Reading

WIN: Former Chicago & North Western Railway Company Building Goes Residential 
City Colleges of Chicago Headquarters/ former Chicago & North Western Railway Company Building, 226 W. Jackson Boulevard, Photo Credit: Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune
The residential conversion is underway for the 14-story City Colleges of Chicago Headquarter/ former Chicago & North Western Railway Company building located at 226 W. Jackson Boulevard and Franklin Street. The historic building was built in 1904 as the headquarters for the Chicago & North Western Railway Company, which occupied the entire building, and was designed by architects Frost and Granger.  This firm later designed the Chicago & North Western Power House Building in 1909, now a Chicago Landmark, and also the grand Chicago & North Western Train Station from 1911, demolished in 1984 after a lengthy and unsuccessful preservation campaign.   

According to City College officials, the developer is Indianapolis-based Zidan Management Group which is planning to convert the office building to residential apartments. They were the high bidder of 14 offers, and agreed to purchase the 185,000 square foot building from City Colleges for $34.5 million.

Despite the heavy limestone base, columns flanking the entry, and the classically-styled ornamental terra cotta, the building is not a Designated Chicago Landmark. It is unclear if the restoration will meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, as determined by the National Park Service, in order to qualify for the valuable Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits. Preservation Chicago encourages the developer to pursue a Chicago Landmark Designation for this historic Chicago building.  Additionally, Preservation Chicago encourages the developer to rebuild the lost historic cornice as part of the development and restoration plan.

Zidan Management Group has been active in Chicago and converted the building at 5009 N. Sheridan Road into Somerset Place Apartments and converted the building at 2231 E. 67th Street in South Shore into a rental building called Shoreline Apartments. Shoreline Apartments was added to the National Register of Historic Places in January 2018. 

This continues the trend of historic loop office buildings being converted to a residential or hospitality uses. Preservation Chicago hopes that Zidan Management Group will follow the lead of outstanding preservation-oriented developers such as Cedar Street Companies, Marc Realty, and CA Ventures which have recognized the inherent value of historic buildings and have the sophistication to leverage valuable historic credits and the other incentives available.  

Additional Reading
Partial WIN: Morton Salt Building to be Demolished, but Historic Stainless Steel Panels to be be Reused.
Former Morton Salt Headquarters Building, 110 N. Wacker Drive, Photo Credit: Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune
The mid-century modern Morton Salt Building will be demolished. Designed by the highly respected architectural firm of Graham, Anderson, Probst & White along with Shaw, Metz & Dolio, the five-story building has been a fixture at 110 North Wacker Drive since its completion in 1961. It was commissioned by Morton Salt Company, a long-standing Chicago company founded in 1879. Morton Salt Company left the building in 1992 and more recently, General Growth Properties occupied the building. 
 
110 North Wacker Drive will be replaced by 51-story glass office tower designed by Goettsch Partners and developed by Dallas-based Howard Hughes Company and Chicago’s Riverside Investment and Development. Bank of America will be the anchor tenant.

The development plan includes a half-acre publicly accessible open space, including a landscaped river walk and an urban park. The new 45-foot wide river walk will serve as a new north-south connection for pedestrian access between Randolph and Washington Streets. Accessible open space was a clearly stated priority by 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly.

At a recent Section 106 meeting, Preservation Chicago advocated for a reconsideration of the proposed demolition, citing Morton Salt's history and lineage to the development of Chicago, along with building’s history, integrity, scale.  Additionally, the history of Wacker Drive's transformation from Market Street is being lost as the scale of the riverfront is being overwhelmed by super tall, glass buildings.

One positive outcome from Preservation Chicago’s advocacy and comments during the Section 106 meetings, was that the developer struck a deal with the Army Corps of Engineers to reduce the “adverse effect” of demolishing an architecturally significant building with the following items.

  • The developers agreed to repurpose the Morton Salt Building’s stainless steel panels on the new building’s terrace and dock levels. The goal will be to help maintain a pedestrian scale for the building’s base and prominently integrate the historic material where it will remain visible to the public.

  • Plaques to commemorate the Morton Salt Company history will be installed at the plaza and river levels.

  • A study of the Morton Salt Building’s architecture will be commissioned by the development team, and will be donated to the research collections at the Art Institute of Chicago’s Ryerson and Burnham Architecture Archives and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield.

  • The development team will sponsor a public education seminar regarding mid-century modern Architecture in Chicago

During the Section 106 meetings, Preservation Chicago noted that other nearby mid-century modern riverfront buildings, including the Hartford Insurance Building at 100 S. Wacker Drive by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (1961), and 10 and 120 S. Riverside Plaza Buildings also by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (1968 and 1974), along with the Art Deco 2 N. Riverside Plaza also known as the Chicago Daily News Building by Holabird & Root (1928) should be considered for Chicago Landmark Designation.

Additional Reading

LOSS: Carbit Paints Building Demolished
Carbit Paints Building, 2942 W. North Avenue, Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View
The lovely historic red brick Carbit Paints building at 2942 W. North Avenue built around 1910, just east of Humboldt Boulevard and across from Humboldt Park, was demolished in early January, 2018. 

With its original red brick, arched windows and clay tile roof, the North Avenue building was a “beautiful example of the craftsman buildings all around Humboldt Park,” according to Andrew Schneider, President of Logan Square Preservation.

When news of the impending demolition broke, the preservation community mounted an earnest, rapid response effort to prevent the demolition, or at least, to save the historic façade. The developer, Wilmot Properties, had little interest in considering an alternate approach to their plans. In place of this highly decorative, historic building will be built a non-descript six-story apartment block.

“Why should we demolish an existing building with a great amount of character when there’s vacant land less than a block away?” asked Schneider.

No zoning change was required and the building had no historic protections. 1st Ward Alderman Joe “Proco” Moreno supported the development. He cited asbestos related issues as a primary reason that adaptive reuse or saving the façade was not possible. 
 
Though the building was never designated as a Chicago Landmark, it was considered historically significant by the National Register of Historic Places and listed as a ‘contributing building’ in both the Logan Square Boulevards National Register Historic District and the Chicago Park Boulevard System Historic District. This listing clearly established its architectural significance and importance to the surrounding National Register District. 

Additionally, this building was originally included in the "Logan Square Boulevards Chicago Landmark District" that would have provided protection against demolition, but the final Landmark District boundaries were adjusted to more closely conform to aldermanic ward boundaries which left the Carbit Building without the protection it deserved.

Carbit Paints was founded Lester Westerman in 1925, and manufactured and sold paint at the North Avenue building between 1942 and 1955. Then Carbit Paints expanded to a new location at the Chicago River and Blackhawk Street, with sections of the building designed by Louis Sullivan for the Euston & Company Linseed Oil Plant and the Chicago Linoleum Company. Carbit Paints continued to use the North Avenue building as a wholesale factory outlet until 2015.

Additional Reading
LOSS: South Side Masonic Temple Demolished (Chicago 7 2007 and 2015)
South Side Masonic Temple, 6400 South Green Street, Photo Credit: Noah Vaughn
The City of Chicago ordered the demolition of the long vacant South Side Masonic Temple at 64th and Green Street in Englewood due to its severely deteriorated condition and a partial roof collapse.  Despite many years of advocacy for this orange-rated building, the challenges presented by its deteriorated physical condition and the market challenges of significant disinvestment in the Englewood community proved insurmountable.

Located at, at 6400 South Green Street, the South Side Masonic Temple was built in 1921 and housed fraternal organizations through the 1950s. Three stories of Ionic columns dominate its façade, and it contained multiple ornate meeting halls and grand spaces with Art Deco, Egyptian Revival, Eastern and Moorish influences. The South Side Masonic Temple was designed by notable Chicago architect Clarence Hatzfeld who is better known for the park district buildings that he designed at Indian Boundary Park, Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Revere Park, Independence Park, Gompers Park, Greenbrier Park and others.

During its heyday, the Classic Revival style Masonic Temple was located in proximity to one of Chicago’s most thriving and bustling neighborhood retail and entertainment districts at 63rd and Halsted, second only to State Street in the Loop.  

Advocacy efforts were unsuccessful to convince the nearby Kennedy-King College Campus or the new Whole Foods grocery store at 63rd and Halsted to adopt this historic building. Additionally, efforts at attracting developers to take on the adaptive reuse of this magnificent building were unsuccessful.

Additional Reading

Partial WIN: 1920’s era Ukrainian Dairy/Leona’s Building Facade to Be Saved
Ukrainian Dairy/Leona's Building, 1938 W. Augusta Avenue, Rendering Credit: Space Architects
The construction permit was issued for the Ukrainian Dairy site at 1938 W. Augusta Avenue. After over a year of advocacy and negotiations, the developer, MCZ Development, agreed to preserve the one-story, 1920’s era, white glazed tile, Pure Dairy façade that runs along Augusta and to set back the new construction 14 feet. The historic façade will provide courtyards between the sidewalk and new five-story construction condo building creating privacy for the residents and preserving a much beloved neighborhood landmark facade. Designed by Space Architects + Planners, the project will include 16 condos. 

In November 2015, 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, Preservation Chicago, the East Village Association, and Ukrainian Village community members testified to prevent the demolition of the 1920’s era Ukrainian Dairy/Leona’s building and the adjoining Victorian era buildings at 1938 W. Augusta Avenue. The passionate testimony proved unable to reverse the opinions of the Landmark Commissioners who voted to approve the demolition permit. However, the preservation effort then moved to the full City Council where Alderman Hopkins courageously defended the will of the community and continued to oppose the demolition permit. 

Preservation Chicago salutes the heroic efforts of 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins to protect an important neighborhood landmark. Preservation Chicago also applauds the extensive efforts of the East Village Association which worked closely with Alderman Flores in 2007 to downzone the property, a move which provided an important tool for the current preservation effort.

Additional Reading




WIN: Art Moderne Bronzeville Church to Receive $228K of Restoration Adopt-a-Landmark Funding
First Church of Deliverance, 4315 S. Wabash Avenue, Photo Credit: Eric Allix Rogers
The striking Art Moderne First Church of Deliverance located at 4315 S. Wabash Avenue in Bronzeville received a $228,000 restoration grant from the Chicago Department of Planning and Development Adopt-a-Landmark fund on January 11, 2018. Funding for the Adopt-a-Landmark program is provided by developers in exchange for receiving zoning bonuses for new construction projects.  

Designed by Walter T. Bailey in 1939, Illinois’ first licensed African-American architect, the church building was designated a Chicago Landmark in 1994 making it eligible for Adopt-a-Landmark funds. The renovation will restore the Chicago Landmark building's terra cotta façade, doors, and the interior murals painted by Chicago-based artist Fred Jones.

The First Church of Deliverance played a significant role in the history of gospel music.  Since the 1940’s, its gospel music broadcasts established it as an important national center for the growth and innovation of this musical genre. Over the years, gospel and jazz music legends including Louis Armstrong, Dinah Washington and Sallie Martin performed at the church for its nationally-syndicated Gospel radio program.

Chicago is experiencing an extraordinary construction boom with unprecedented levels of new construction and investment. Preservation Chicago applauds the City of Chicago and its efforts to divert a portion of the massive capital investments in downtown super tall projects to Chicago Landmarks in the neighborhoods through the Adopt-a-Landmark Fund. This a powerful, successful, and effective tool to help all of Chicago to move forward together and to provide much needed renovation funds to important Chicago Landmarks located in the neighborhoods and underserved communities. It is hoped that these funds will continue to flow into the neighborhoods to help restore Chicago Landmarks suffering from years of deferred maintenance.

Preservation Chicago wants to encourage owners of Chicago Landmark Buildings to nominate their landmarks to this Adopt-a-Landmark program. Link to Adopt-a-Landmark program and link to download an application.

Additional Reading

WIN: City Issues Request for Proposals for Two Central Manufacturing District Buildings (Chicago 7 2014)
Central Manufacturing District Buildings, Pershing Road, Photo Credit: Ward Miller
The City of Chicago Community Development Commission has issued a Request for Qualifications and Proposals for the redevelopment of two city-owned, massive Central Manufacturing District buildings as part of an international design competition sponsored by C40 Reinventing Buildings.

Prospective developers are required to submit their qualifications by May 4, 2018. The City will select a short list of developers by July 2018, and request that they submit development proposals by December 2018. The hope is to announced a winning proposal or propsals in early 2019.

Built by the U.S. Army in 1918, the massive warehouse buildings of the Pershing Road Central Manufacturing District are each over 500,000 square feet and were the largest concrete warehouses in the world when they were built. Because of their number and vast size, they were used by the U.S. military during the First World War, Second World War, and the Vietnam conflict. Over 40,000 people were employed in the buildings of the Central Manufacturing District.

For years, these buildings have sat vacant or mostly vacant because of the “functional obsolescence” of enormously wide floorplates square feet. However, building of this scale are a limited resource and have become highly sought after by some of the largest and most successful 21st century technology companies. As a result, these ultra-wide buildings are an important Chicago asset that must be protected and leveraged into attracting new companies to Chicago and the jobs that will follow.  

“Long considered inefficient albatrosses, with too many large columns and not enough natural light, the buildings today are coveted by employers such as technology and creative firms. Wide floors allow firms to have hundreds, or even thousands, of employees together on one floor. Open layouts and abundant meeting areas are designed to promote collaboration”, according to Ryan Ori in his recent Chicago Tribune Article, In Chicago's real estate market, ultrawide buildings are in vogue. Here's why”.  

In his article, Ori points to recent wide floor deals including Groupon’s headquarters in the former Montgomery Ward Chicago Avenue Warehouse Building, the ongoing development of the Old Main Post Office, the Merchandise Mart and the former Apparel Center, Google’s office in the Fulton Market Cold Storage Building, and the nation-wide pursuit to find a location and buildings large enough to accommodate Amazon’s second headquarters.  

Preservation Chicago applauds the City of Chicago for moving forward with this Request for Qualifications and Proposals. This approach has proved successful with the Old Main Post Office and the Consumers and Century Buildings. We also wish to applaud the City of Chicago for recognizing the value of these historic buildings and for insisting that proposals include their redevelopment.

Preservation Chicago was responsible for the idea of creating a Central Manufacturing District National Register District and funded much of the historical research for this successful designation. The Central Manufacturing District has been a concern of Preservation Chicago and our preservation Partner, Landmarks Illinois, since it appeared on both organization's endangered lists in 2014.

This site includes two six-story industrial buildings, built in 1918, and part of the historically significant Central Manufacturing District of Chicago. The site also has an adjacent parking lot and 1-story parking structure. The City of Chicago is open to a large variety of proposals that will revitalize this iconic site and contribute to the vibrancy of the McKinley Park neighborhood.

The Pershing Road site contains two historic six-story buildings, designed by architect Samuel Scott Joy and built in 1918, and a 160,000 square foot parcel with a parking lot and a one-story parking garage. The two industrial buildings, each over 570,000 square feet in size, are located within the historic Central Manufacturing District (“CMD”). The CMD, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015, was one of the country's first planned industrial districts. The CMD was home to over 200 manufacturers, including such industrial giants as Wrigley, Spiegel, Westinghouse, and Goodyear. 

The City of Chicago expects the winning proposal of the Reinventing Cities competition to add vibrancy to Chicago‘s southwest communities, particularly the McKinley Park neighborhood. While the City’s preference is for redevelopment of the entire site, bidders may also propose to reactivate only one or both of the historic six-story buildings. Proposals should enhance opportunities for Chicago‘s workforce and for nearby residential communities. The project should aspire to be carbon-neutral, while increasing the site‘s resilience to water events. The overall design of the project should relate positively to the site’s context, provide publicly accessible spaces, and engage visual interest from the street.

Additional Reading



WIN: Morton Salt Warehouse to be Saved and Adaptively Reused as Salt District Mixed-Use Redevelopment.  
Morton Salt "Salt District" Redevelopment, Rendering Credit: Gensler
The 4.25 acre riverfront Morton Salt industrial campus will be adaptively reused by developer R2 Company, which recently purchased the property from Morton Salt Company. The 86-year old, Chicago-based Morton Salt Company shuttered the salt storage and packing facility in 2015, but will rent 20,000 of the total 120,000 rentable square footage of the completed redevelopment. To be renamed the "Salt District"; the redevelopment will include offices, restaurants, retail and entertainment.

The iconic and highly visible “When it Rains it Pours” Morton Salt Umbrella Girl sign painted on the roof of the warehouse building will be preserved as part of the new development, as well as to the small masonry building to north.

According to Matt Garrison, R2 Managing Principal, the north side buildings, where melting salts and other bulk salts were once transported by barges and piled high using giant conveyor belts, will be converted to a wide variety of new uses. The mix could include a brewery, restaurants, offices, indoor and outdoor festivals and markets, concerts and other entertainment. R2 plans to have a water taxi stop and kayak launch on the site, connected to a new riverwalk area. (Ori, Chicago Tribune 1/5/18)

For generations, the Morton Salt site on Elston Avenue has been part of the fabric of Chicago,” Morton Salt CEO Christian Herrmann said in a news release. “It is with that long, rich history in mind that we decided to explore a wide range of possibilities for the future of our iconic site. We knew it was ripe for redevelopment, and we took great care to find the right firm to help bring our vision to life. This redevelopment plan represents the next chapter of the Morton Salt story in Chicago — and we’re incredibly proud to be part of the past, present and future of the Elston Avenue site.” (Ori, Chicago Tribune 1/5/18)

Preservation Chicago applauds both developer R2 Company and Morton Salt for their appreciation of the site’s history and for their recognition that the existing historic industrial buildings add a layer of interest, authenticity, character and quality that will make the finished redevelopment more successful. Unlike the redevelopment of the former Finkl Steel Site, where the existing buildings were demolished (Chicago 7 2015), the value of the historic buildings at Morton Salt are being appreciated and embraced.

Additionally, it is important to note that zoning plays a major role in defining, directed, and planning the redeveloped boom along the North Branch of the Chicago River. Since the Chicago City Council passed zoning changes that allowed non-manufacturing uses along 760 acres of the former industrial along the Chicago River’s North Branch, many significant, large-scale redevelopment plans have emerged. Zoning is an essential planning tool that must be used wisely both to promote smart development and protect historic assets.

Additional Reading

PETITIONS
THREATENED: Uptown Theatre Petition Approaching 10,000 Signatures!
Uptown Theatre Grande Lobby, 4816 N. Broadway, Photo Credit: Jack Miller/ Friends of the Uptown
Preservation Chicago and the Friends of Uptown Theatre have sponsored the petition "Mayor Rahm Emanuel: Restore the Uptown!" Momentum is growing, but we need your help!

Please add YOUR name and spread the word. Please consider sharing the petition with your friends and family via email and social media.

At the time of publication, we had received over 9,725 signatures!

Our new goal is to reach 10,000 signatures and we need your help to make that happen.


Shuttered since 1981, the Uptown Theatre means so much to the people of Uptown and Chicago. Its restoration and reuse would bring jobs and have a positive economic impact on the Uptown neighborhood and all of Chicago.

It can be done. Across town in Logan Square, the 3,500 capacity Congress Theater, also a Designated Chicago Landmark, recently began an extensive $65 million renovation by developer Michael Moyer with “the goal to ensure the building lasts another 100 years” according to the architect Andy Tinucci. Sources tell Preservation Chicago that the restoration of the Uptown Theater is similar at an estimated $70 million.

"We've come very far in the 50 years since the demolition of the Garrick Theater and Chicago Stock Exchange building when your common citizen may not have been involved in architectural preservation," said Ward Miller, Executive Director of Preservation Chicago. "But this is another example of a project that has so much good potential, in so many ways and something that could positively impact the entire Uptown Entertainment District." (LaTrace, 8/22/17)

"At some point, these projects have to become someone's priority," said Andy Pierce from Friend of Uptown Theatre.

"The Uptown Theatre is one of our great landmarks and we're looking for a solution." (LaTrace, 8/22/17)

Your support for the restoration and reuse of the Chicago Landmark Uptown Theatre for entertainment and other special events will create jobs and help make the Uptown Square Entertainment District the vital destination it can and should be.

Additional Reading 




THREATENED: Time is Running Out to Save the Woodruff Arcade! Please sign the Petition.
Woodruff Arcade, 6361 N. Broadway Avenue, Photo Credit: Ward Miller
What has been reported to be the last remaining arcade in Chicago, and one of the last remaining in the nation, is threatened with demolition and replacement with a seven-story building. Located at 6361 N. Broadway, at the corner of Broadway, Devon and Sheridan in Edgewater, the 95-year old Woodruff Arcade has served dozens of small tenants since it was first opened circa 1923.  

The Edgewater Historical Society is leading an effort to Save the Woodruff Arcade with a petition drive focused at convincing 48th Ward Alderman Osterman to oppose the demolition. According to the Society’s webpage, the 48th Ward alderman can save this building if there is sufficient community support. 


“In 1922, W.J. Woodruff received a building permit from the city for his arcade, according to the Edgewater Historical Society. Architect Herbert Green designed a handsome but utilitarian red brick building that opens up inside with iron staircases, large interior windows into the internal courtyard, and that big skylight.” (WBEZ, 6/22/17)

The arcade currently houses over a dozen small business and offices. All tenants were given notice that they would need to vacate their spaces by December 31, 2017.  The former owner operated the arcade for over 30 years, but sold the building to Borekci Real Estate, a company based in Ankara, Turkey, and Algonquin Venture Real Estate LLC based in Northbrook, Illinois. 
 
Preservation Chicago and the Edgewater Historical Society recently met with Alderman Osterman and advocated for the preservation of the building, even if the new development is built atop, or straddles the existing Woodruff Arcade. Alderman Osterman requested that the developers met with architect Thom Greene and Preservation Chicago to see if the accommodations could be made.

Additional Reading




EVENTS
Potentially THREATENED: Washington Park National Bank Building Redevelopment Initiative (Chicago 7 2016)
Workshops February 6 and February 20
Washington Park National Bank Building, 6300 South Cottage Grove , Photo Credit: Eric Allix Rogers
From Chuck Sido’s Bisnow Article:

“The Cook County Land Bank Authority, which was established to clear the titles of distressed properties for resale to prospective homeowners and developers, is entering the redevelopment game itself. 

The Land Bank Authority last month obtained the deed to the Washington Park National Bank building in Woodlawn and hosted the first of three public meetings to get community input into how the building should be repurposed. 

The building was listed on Preservation Chicago's 2016 list of most endangered buildings. Designed by Albert Schwartz and built in 1924, the 33,000 SF limestone building at 6300 South Cottage Grove has been vacant and in disrepair for decades. 

It is now a redevelopment opportunity in the epicenter of real estate development at 63rd Street and Cottage Grove Avenue. The building is steps from the 63rd/Cottage Grove Green Line 'L' station. The Preservation of Affordable Housing Chicago has redeveloped the former Grove Parc public housing site into a mix of market-rate, affordable and public housing, and is building Woodlawn Station on the northwest corner of the 'L' station. 

The Washington Park National Bank Building is also near the future site of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. The next two public meetings to discuss redevelopment options for the building will be held Feb. 6 and Feb. 20 at Harris Park, 6200 South Drexel Ave.”

Preservation Chicago applauds the Cook County Land Bank Authority and the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) for coordinating and facilitating this workshop to solicit resident input for the redevelopment of this historic building.

However, Preservation Chicago was alarmed by MPC’s decision to include two demolition options in the materials distributed during the first workshop. Demolition should absolutely not be an option considered for this historic building and important commercial corridor anchor. Even if new construction is the preferred direction due the condition of the historic building, the existing facade should be retained.
Demolition and New Construction Options for the Historic Washington Park National Bank Building included in the Redevelopment Workshop Materials from the January 30, 2017 workshop, Created and Distributed by Metropolitan Planning Council
The Woodlawn community is strong and resilient, but has suffered through decades of disinvestment and demolition, and the vacant lots that inevitably follow. The community is already burdened by too many empty lots and any new construction ideas should be directed to towards activating vacant lots, not destroying a community anchor. 

The Washington Park National Bank Building is an important neighborhood anchor on a commercial corridor that has seen the tragic loss of many of its important building. It is it essential for the long-term reinvestment and prosperity of this commercial district that this historic building be preserved and redeveloped.  

It is important that the Woodlawn Community clearly establish that historic preservation is a requirement of the Request for Proposals that will likely be released in spring 2018 and will guide the developers who participate.

Please attend the next two workshops.
2nd Workshop Tuesday, Feb. 6
3rd Workshop Tuesday, Feb. 20
From 6 to 8 pm
At Harris Park, 6200 S. Drexel Avenue

Confirm your attendance at this link to Metroplaning.org or with general questions, contact Sawyer Middeleer at 312.863.6024 or smiddeleer@metroplanning.org.

Additional Reading

Possible Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Thematic Chicago Landmark District discussed during Ward Miller interview at DuSable Museum on Dr. King's Birthday
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Stone Temple Church in 1966. King’s father was an old friend of the church’s founding pastor. Dr. King preached there numerous times beginning in 1959. Photo Credit: Stone Temple Missionary Baptist Church.
Ward Miller of Preservation Chicago and Perri Irmer, President of the DuSable Museum of African American History, were interviewed by Cliff Kelley on WVON 1690 on January 15, 2018 to discuss the possibility of a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Thematic Chicago Landmark District to honor and celebrate his enduring legacy. 

Preservation Chicago played an important role in the Chicago Landmark Designation of Stone Temple Baptist Church at 3622 W. Douglas Blvd where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke on many occasions. However, there are many other unprotected and unrecognized places in Chicago that help to tell the history of Dr. King and his efforts in Chicago to advance the cause of Civil Rights, the Chicago Freedom Movement, and his efforts to end overt housing discrimination in Chicago during the 1960’s.  

“It was bitterly cold on January 26, 1966, the day Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta, moved into a $90-a-month railroad flat on the top floor of a rundown building on the corner of Hamlin Avenue and 16th Street. The North Lawndale tenement, which stood two blocks from a pool hall that served as headquarters for the Vice Lords street gang, had no lock on its front door and a packed-dirt floor in the foyer.” (Bernstein, Chicago Magazine, 7/25/16)

The City of Chicago must to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions and sacrifices made by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago by creating a thematic Chicago Landmark District to recognize, protect and celebrate the legacy of Dr. King.

Additionally, the preacher's podium at Stone Temple Baptist Church from which Dr. King preached (and is seen in the circa 1966 photograph above) still exists and Preservation Chicago is advocating for it to be on display in Chicago as part of the permanent collection of the DuSable Museum of African American History, and perhaps eventually in Washington D.C. at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History.

Additional Reading


Design Dialogues: Building Up Bronzeville
February 13 at Chicago Architecture Foundation
Illinois Institute of Technology’s Main Building , Photo Credit: Eric Allix Rogers
From CAF Design Dialogues Website:
Perhaps no Chicago neighborhood has experienced as turbulent a century as Bronzeville. Join us for a lecture and panel discussion to hear diverse perspectives on developments that are re-energizing this historic neighborhood. 

Long a hub for the black middle class, but also a target of prejudicial housing and planning policies, Bronzeville today is enjoying a groundswell of new community energy. Investment by developers, city funding and quality designs are helping to patch the neighborhood’s urban fabric and bolster its tax base. Community leader and investor Ghian Foreman, architect Ken DeMuth, affordable housing developer Virginia Pace, Deputy Chief of Staff for Neighborhood Economic Development Aarti Kotak and ComEd’s Smart Grid and distribution planning director Dr. Shay Bahramirad will discuss this new activity. Chicago Tribune reporter Lolly Bowean will moderate the conversation.

Ken DeMuth, a partner at Pappageorge Haymes Partners, is currently working on the renovation and adaptive re-use of the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Main Building (Chicago 7 2015) and the residential and commercial conversion of four of the city’s historic schools. 

Mr. DeMuth has special expertise in complex adaptive re-use and historic renovation projects. He's served as senior project architect on many highly acclaimed projects including Infinite Apartments, Metropolitan Tower and the Pomeroy Apartments which attained LEED Platinum certification. Recent Chicago work includes the redevelopment of the 17-story Chicago Landmark Old Colony Building from commercial use to apartments and the conversion of a Chicago Landmark church into townhouses in the Kenwood Historic District. 

February 13, 2018
6:00 pm
$15 public/ $7 CAF members
Lecture Hall @ CAF, 224 S. Michigan Avenue

Preservation Chicago to announce the 2018 “Chicago 7 Most Endangered Buildings”
Wednesday, February 28, at Noon
63rd and Ashland, Photo Credit: Eric Allix Rogers
Preservation Chicago will announce its “Chicago 7 Most Endangered Buildings List” for 2018 at noon on February 28, 2018 in the Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Lecture Hall, located off the lobby of the Railway Exchange Building, 224 S. Michigan Avenue. 

Admission is free to all, but register ASAP as the 140 seat capacity is filling up fast!


Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Noon
Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Lecture Hall at 224 S. Michigan Avenue

What are Chicago's most endangered buildings?

Find out at the unveiling of Preservation Chicago's 16th annual "Chicago 7 Most Endangered" list. The list identifies architecturally significant structures that the preservation community hope to save from the wrecking ball.

Preservation Chicago Executive Director Ward Miller will announce Preservation Chicago's most endangered Chicago buildings and share the story behind each selection.

In past years, the list has brought public attention to the plight endangered structures which contributed to them ultimately being saved from destruction.

Hope to see you there!

Questions? Call us at 773.334.8800 or email us at info@preservationchicago.com

If you value preservation in Chicago...
please support Preservation Chicago!
Lincoln Montana Building Doorway, Photo Credit: Ward Miller/ Preservation Chicago
Preservation Chicago is a small organization with a big impact. In a city the size of Chicago, every drop of YOUR support counts. 

Please CHOOSE to support historic preservation in Chicago today!

  • Spread the Word! Support preservation in Chicago by reading and reposting Facebook and Twitter posts!


  • Be Heard! Support preservation in Chicago by attending community meetings and standing up to make your voice heard!

  • Be Counted! Support preservation in Chicago by taking a moment to sign online petitions!


Your financial support allows Preservation Chicago to advocate every day to protect historic buildings throughout Chicago. For a small non-profit, every dollar counts. Preservation Chicago is a 501c3 non-profit so your donation is tax-deductible as permitted by law. Donation is fast, easy and directly helps the efforts to protect Chicago’s historic legacy.