A rapid response preservation effort in late 2016 resulted in the Serbian American Club/St Sava withdrawing its demolition permit application. However, the Club recently reapplied for a new demolition permit.
The historic building at 448 W. Barry is in excellent condition and is in a highly desirable neighborhood. The rationale for demolition would be to sell vacant land to a developer to maximize sales price, so that the Club could move to a “location that is close to an expressway and has ample parking.” From Chicago Tribune, 7/7/16.
Preservation Chicago, the Serbian-American community, Club members, and Lake View residents are preparing a renewed effort to prevent the demolition of the Serbian American Museum & Club/St Sava.
Preservation Chicago urges the Landmarks Commission, 44th Ward Alderman Tunney, Serbian American, and Lake View neighborhood organizations and Lake View neighbors to continue to advocate for protection for this important historic landmark.
The best way to ensure long-term protection for the highly-significant, orange-rated building is a historic landmark designation. Preservation Chicago fully supports a Chicago Landmark Designation and also to potentially explore a larger landmark district of historic houses in the vicinity.
The Serbian American Museum & Club/St Sava has operated since 1952 from the historic 11,400 square foot mansion in Lake View East. This extraordinary Prairie Style home, originally the D.O. Hill House at 448 W. Barry Ave was designed in 1902 by Frederick W. Perkins, better known for his work for Chicago’s elite including the Armour family and the John G. Shedd family. Its graceful proportions, broad porch, intricate classical ornament, unique and highly-ornamented arched third floor dormer and fine detailing with Roman brick make it a natural candidate for consideration as a Designated Chicago Landmark. Additionally, this architecturally outstanding building has served an important cultural resource for the Chicago Serbian American community for over 60 years.
Even among the many wonderful historic homes in Lake View, the Hill House is so important that it was individually recognized for its architectural significance on a short list of 14 homes from the hundreds of examples within the 1972 Lake View Historic District National Register Nomination.
Please take a moment to voice your support and sign the online petition to stop the sale and demolition of the Serbian American Museum & Club/St Sava. The online petition has over 875 signatures. (Please note that no donation is required to sign the petition)
Suggested Reading
Photo Gallery, 448 W Barry Ave CHICAGO, IL 60657 Curbed Chicago, AJ Trace, 7/21/16
Serbian museum lists Lakeview East mansion for $3.85 million, Chicago Tribune, 7/20/16
Lakeview Historic District National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, 1972