In response to growing concern over the deteriorating condition of two former Hyde Park Christian Science Churches due to their long-term vacancy, Preservation Chicago redoubled its efforts to find a patron for these buildings. The effort has yielded initial positive results and a preservation-sensitive developer is potentially interested purchasing and adaptively reusing both of these two properties.
The 5th Church of Christ Scientist/Shiloh Baptist Church on Dorchester Avenue, by Solon S. Beman, is in the Kenwood Landmark District. The 10th Church of Christ Scientist/St. Stephan’s on the 5600 Block of S. Blackstone is in Hyde Park, adjacent to the University of Chicago campus, but not within a Landmark District.
We are hopeful that this outreach will spur the existing owner, or a future developer, to move forward with restoration and reuse efforts.
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