“Stunned by the recent demolition of well-preserved 19th century buildings torn down to add a side yard for a neighboring property, five neighborhood groups recently hosted representatives of two nonprofit architectural preservation organizations to learn about the benefits of landmark districts.
“The groups – Lincoln Central Association, Mid-North Association, Ranch Triangle, Sheffield Neighborhood Organization, and Wrightwood Neighbors Association – are also concerned about DePaul University’s proposal to tear down a group of buildings along Sheffield Avenue.
“‘Part of the beauty of being in Lincoln Park and this community, overall, is the quality of the architecture,” said Ward Miller, Executive Director of Preservation Chicago, at the October 24 meeting.
“He says his organization has worked with Landmarks Illinois and aldermen over the years to preserve historic buildings in Lincoln Park and get the city to consider a broader landmark district. There are currently five major landmark districts within Lincoln Park, along with block districts and corner districts.
“A landmark district is a collection of historic buildings within a designated area that contribute to neighborhood character through history, economy, architecture, art, or culture. A neighborhood district protects an entire neighborhood, not just specific buildings.
“Landmark designations are recommended for protection from demolition by the nine-member Commission on Chicago Landmarks and must be approved by the Chicago City Council. The commission is also responsible for reviewing any proposed alteration, demolition, or new construction affecting individual landmarks or landmark districts. There are currently about 60 landmark districts in Chicago.
“The federal government also recognizes neighborhood historic districts on its National Register of Historic Places, which seeks to preserve districts considered worthy of preservation due to their historical significance or artistic value.
“The federal designation often helps residents qualify for tax incentives. It does not, however, actually protect a building from demolition.
“‘It’s just tragic to see these structures demolished one after another in the Sheffield National Historic Register district,’ said Miller.
“While the Chicago landmark designation ‘has teeth’ and protects historic buildings, Miller says the federal designation ‘just offers all sorts of incentives to sort of encourage a property owner to do the right thing.’
“‘At the end of the day, the federal designation allows the property owner to still do whatever you want,’ he said. “This lack of protection is how yet another building within a federally-recognized district gets demolished.”
“According to Miller, some people reluctant to support a Chicago neighborhood district are concerned they will be limited by what they can do with their own property.
“‘When it comes to landmark districts, we’re really only talking about the front elevation that you see from the street,’ he said. ‘You can still add on to your roof. You just have to set it back. You can still add on to the back of your house. The designation does not go inside your house. You can paint the inside of your walls chartreuse if you choose.’
“Landmark designation, says Miller, is ‘really about saving facades and saving the look, the feel, and the spirit of your street and neighborhood.’
“Being designated a neighborhood landmark district by the city, he says, often results in increased investment in an area. And he says preservation of historic buildings has helped make Chicago a tourist destination.
“‘We’re America’s city of architecture and are known as such around the world,’ said Miller. ‘And yet, for some reason, we continue to demolish these great buildings. And often, the buildings that replace the historic buildings are second-rate buildings.’ (Peter von Buol, Loop North News, 12/5/23)
Read the full story at Loop North News
- Neighborhood groups see landmark protection of historic Lincoln Park buildings, Peter von Buol, Loop North News, 12/5/23
- DePaul’s Planned Athletic Center Would Strip Area Of Character, Student Housing, Neighbors Say; Residents questioned plans to demolish a row of buildings from the 1890s and 1920s. But DePaul officials said they need a new basketball facility to attract students, Joanna Hou, Block Club Chicago, 11/10/23
- DePaul University presents basketball practice facility to community; The $60 million project will replace a series of century-old buildings, Lukas Kugler, Urbanize Chicago, 11/13/23
- Historic Lincoln Park buildings face demolition as DePaul University plans athletic complex expansion, Anthony Ponce, FOX 32 Chicago, 9/20/23
- DePaul’s Planned Athletic Center Would Strip Area Of Character, Student Housing, Neighbors Say; Residents questioned plans to demolish a row of buildings from the 1890s and 1920s. But DePaul officials said they need a new basketball facility to attract students, Joanna Hou, lock Club Chicago, 11/10/23
- DePaul presents plan to demolish century-old buildings for new basketball facility amid community protest, Alysa Guffey, Chicago Tribune, 11/10/23
- DePaul University presents basketball practice facility to community, The $60 million project will replace a series of century-old buildings, Lukas Kugler, Urbanize Chicago, 11/13/23
- Preservationists Don’t Want DePaul To Demolish 4 Old Row Houses To Build Sports Complex; The row houses dating to the 1890s as well as a courtyard building built in 1925 would be torn down for a new basketball training facility. Preservationists want the school to consider another site, Jake Wittich, Block Club Chicago, 9/27/23
- DePaul’s new practice gym will require tearing down 5 historical buildings, Dennis Rodkin, Crain’s Chicago Business, 9/13/23
- DePaul University to construct $60M basketball team practice facility on its Lincoln Park campus, Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 8/31/2
- DePaul University plans basketball practice facility; The $60 million will give basketballs teams a dedicated space, Lukas Kugler, 9/4/23
- DePaul Reveals Plans For New Student Athlete Facilities In Lincoln Park, Chicago YIMBY, Ian Achong, 9/5/23