UPDATE: Preservation Chicago is pleased to report that The Serbian American Club withdrew its demolition permit application immediately prior to the Commission of Chicago Landmarks hearing on December 1. Prior to the hearing, Preservation Chicago, the Serbian-American community, and Lake View residents had campaigned to stop the sale and demolition of the Serbian American Museum & Club/St Sava. As part of this effort, Preservation Chicago had been in touch with Alderman Tunney and his staff and had written letters of support to DPD Landmarks staff in support of landmark designation.
The Serbian American Club’s status remains threatened as the owners could reapply for a demolition permit. The only way to ensure long-term protection for the orange-rated Serbian American Club building is a historic landmark designation. Preservation Chicago fully supports a historic landmark designation. This architecturally outstanding building has served an important cultural resource for the Chicago Serbian community for over 60 years.
Preservation Chicago urges the Landmarks Commission, 44th Ward Alderman Tunney, Serbian and Lake View neighborhood organizations and Lake View neighbors to continue to advocate for protection for this important historic landmark.
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.
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 homes within the 1972 Lakeview 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 850 signatures. (Please note that no donation is required to sign the petition)
Despite statements to the media that the seller desired a preservation outcome, the property listing suggests otherwise.
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