“A three-building complex in East Garfield Park that for decades operated as shelter for women and single mothers will become a new community center, thanks to the help of a wealthy philanthropist.

“The City Couuncil on Wednesday approved a measure to turn the former Florence Crittenton Anchorag complex at 2627 W. Washington Blvd. into a community center.

“Constructed in 1892, the Crittenton Anchorage took over the building in 1949, turning it into a place of housing and respite for single women and their children. Later known as the Living Center for Girls, the complex remained a haven for young women until closing in 1973.

“It remained vacant for years and was in jeopardy of being demolished when it was purchased last year by Samantha Walton, the wife of Lukas Walton, the billionaire grandson of Walmart founder Sam Walton.

“…Samantha Walton decided to buy the 132-year-old building after reading coverage about the previous owners’ plan to tear it down.

“Preservation Chicago organized to landmark the buildings, including the main Wolfson Building, last year.” (Liptrot, Block Club Chicago, 10/30/24)

“Zoning has been partially approved for the upcoming redevelopment of the former Florence Crittenton Anchorage at 2678 W Washington Boulevard in East Garfield Park…the vacant estate became a historical landmark in 2023 and is preparing for a new life as a community center and more.”

“Sitting on a half-acre lot, the property is anchored by a stunning red brick mansion and its coach house dating back to the 1880’s. Originally built for bike tire industry leader Fred Morgan, the property was sold after his death to the Chicago Home for Convalescent Women & Children who added a rear dormitory building and renamed after their benefactor’s daughter, Florence.

“The main house will become a library with arts, tech, and media spaces as well as hold a fitness room and offices. The dormitory will contain admin and multi-purpose spaces. And the foreigner coach house will get a small addition in order to hold a small cafe and studio space.” (Achong, Chicago YIIMBY, 11/5/24)

Preservation Chicago launched a rapid response advocacy campaign to try to save the Wolfson Building / Florence Crittenton Anchorage at 2678 W. Washington Blvd in East Garfield Park from demolition. Extensive research by Preservation Chicago and Debbie Mercer revealed the building’s fascinating and important history. Proactive community organizing and stakeholder outreach galvanized the support necessary to allow the Preliminary Landmark Designation to advance.

We’re thrilled that Samantha Walton was inspired to act after seeing the press coverage around the advocacy effort and Chicago Landmark Designation. A community resource center is an ideal reuse for this significant building complex with its incredible history.

Read the full story at Block Club Chicago and Chicago YIIMBY

• Zoning Approved For Community Hub Redevelopment Of Historic Mansion In East Garfield Park, Ian Achong, Chicago YIMBY, 11/5/24
• Billionaire Family Behind Walmart Buys Old West Side Women’s Shelter, Will Create Community Space; Philanthropist Samantha Walton bought the 132-year-old property after reading in Block Club how preservationists saved it from demolition, a member of the ownership team said, Francia Garcia Hernandez, Block Club Chicago, 7/11/24
• West Side Women’s Shelter Building Named A Chicago Landmark, Saving It From Wrecking Ball; Garfield Park’s Wolfson Building was once a save haven for single women and mothers, particularly women of color. Advocates fought to preserve its history, Trey Arline, Block Club Chicago, 12/13/23
• Buyer steps in to save historic mansion that sheltered unwed mothers, Dennis Rodkin, Crain’s Chicago Business, 10/30/23
• 2678 W Washington Blvd, Chicago Sales Listing with extensive photos
  Landmarks commission has a chance to help save historic West Side mansion; The landmarks commission’s vote could set the stage for preserving a handsome late 19th Century building in a neighborhood that has lost too many vintage structures over the past 50 years; Chicago Sun-Times Editorial Board, 8/1/23
• 131-Year-Old West Side Women’s Shelter Building Gets Early Landmark Approval; Historic preservationists lobbied to landmark the Victorian property, citing its importance as a safe haven for single women of color for its time, Trey Arline, Block Club Chicago, 8/10/23