UPDATE: The developer of Lake Street Schlitz Tied House site objected to the Preliminary Chicago Landmark designation of the Lake Street Schlitz Tied House. This objection has triggered an expedited process with a “courtroom-style” Commission on Chicago Landmarks hearing complete with lawyers and expert witnesses on May 12, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. via Zoom. Preservation Chicago will testify in strong support of the building’s protection and designation. Additionally, we will submit the full petition in support of protection with all signatures and comments in support into the permanent record.
“The former home of La Luce Italian restaurant, which was nearly torn down late last year, once again has been granted a reprieve from demolition.
“The Commission on Chicago Landmarks voted unanimously to grant temporary landmark status for 1393-1399 W. Lake St. following impassioned pleas from preservationists and dozens of citizens. Commissioners also rejected the owner’s permit application seeking to tear down the building 19th century, Queen Anne Victorian building.
“The commission’s approval of initial landmark status triggered an expedited process for permanently protecting the 130-year-old Fulton Market building. Under the city code, the commission must schedule a public hearing and notify City Council of its recommendation within 90 days.
“Commissioner Maurice Cox said the developers were sitting on a ‘vintage’ and ‘pretty rare asset’ in Chicago architectural history. The city doesn’t lose structures like this as part of a mass demolition, he added. ‘You lose them one building at a time, until you are hanging on to one or two exemplars,’ he said. ‘I would encourage the development team for this particular site to embrace those assets that will in fact enrich [development.]’
“Preservation Chicago Executive Director Ward Miller said the building’s red brick, limestone, ornamental bays and copper features are ‘nothing less than outstanding,’ he said. The building was constructed in anticipation of the 1893 World’s Fair and is still visible for blocks, he added.
“Petitioners also provided 24 pages’ comments opposing demolition. Lauren Zawilenski wrote, ‘More of Chicago’s history needs to be preserved. Buildings like this are getting knocked down and overdeveloped left and right!’
“Gregory Stepanek wrote, ‘I pass this building on a daily basis, and always marvel at its uniqueness. We have lost far too much of our history. Let us NOT lose this gem. Let’s stop erasing our history.’
You can see signatures and comments here.(Peña and Alani, Block Club Chicago, 4/1/21)
Preservation Chicago is thrilled at this outcome. We have advocated for the building’s preservation since 2016 and with urgency over the past six months since its change of ownership.
Read the full story at Block Club Chicago