A construction permit was issued in January 2018 for the former Ukrainian Dairy site at 1938 W. Augusta Avenue, which is located within the East Village Landmark District, but was not considered a contributing building. After over a year of advocacy and negotiations, the developer, MCZ Development, agreed to preserve the one-story, 1920’s era, white glazed tile, “Pure Dairy” façade and to set back the new construction 14 feet. The historic façade will provide courtyards between the sidewalk and new five-story construction condo building creating privacy for the residents and preserving a much beloved neighborhood facade. Designed by Space Architects + Planners, the project will include 16 condos.
In November 2015, 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, Preservation Chicago, the East Village Association, and Ukrainian Village community members testified to prevent the demolition of the Ukrainian Dairy/Leona’s building. The passionate testimony proved unable to reverse the opinions of the Landmark Commissioners who voted to approve the demolition permit. However, the preservation effort then moved to the full City Council where Alderman Hopkins courageously defended the will of the community and continued to oppose the demolition permit.
Preservation Chicago salutes the heroic efforts of Alderman Hopkins to protect an iconic neighborhood building. Preservation Chicago also applauds the extensive efforts of the East Village Association which worked closely with the alderman’s office in 2007 to downzone the property, a move which provided an important tool for the current preservation effort.