After years of advocacy, the “Near North Side Multiple Property District” has been approved by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. Final steps include approval by the Chicago City Council.
The Superior Street Rowhouses were saved from demolition by the preliminary designation of this Chicago Landmark District. The timing of the designation of the Near North Side Multiple Property District was fortunate and was the culmination of years of advocacy by Preservation Chicago. The district is comprised of a total of 16 historic residential properties on Superior, Ontario, Rush, Huron, Erie, Dearborn and Grand.
These buildings represent some of the remaining survivors from the once extensive post-fire residential district. The endangered status of other buildings now protected by the Landmark Designation was confirmed during the Commission of Chicago Landmarks testimony on March 7, 2019, when owners of three different buildings protested the inclusion of their historic buildings in the Preliminary Landmark District as this status would prevent them from moving forward with plans to demolish their respective buildings.
The Near North Side Multiple Property Landmark District includes the following structures:
- 642 North Dearborn Street
- 14 West Erie Street
- 17 East Erie Street
- 110 West Grand Avenue
- 1 East Huron Street
- 9 East Huron Street
- 10 East Huron Street
- 16 West Ontario Street
- 18 West Ontario Street
- 212 East Ontario Street
- 222 East Ontario Street
- 716 North Rush Street
- 671 North State Street
- 42 East Superior Street
- 44 East Superior Street
- 46 East Superior Street
Preservation Chicago was deeply engaged in the advocacy effort to save the Superior Street Rowhouses at 42, 44 and 46 E. Superior Street and proactively worked on the ground with neighborhood organizations and other stakeholders to generate support for the Landmark District.
When during the Commission on Chicago Landmarks hearing the Chairman asked the position of the public, we were able to present our Change.org petition with over 5,775 signatures on 262 pages and an additional 22 pages of comments in support. Additionally, Preservation Chicago researchers worked long hours to discover and assemble as much historic material as possible about these structures and other similar surviving buildings in the neighborhood.
Preservation Chicago wishes to recognize and applaud the leadership of 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly and the professionalism and efficiency of his office and staff. Additionally, Preservation Chicago wishes to recognize and thank the Chicago Department of Planning and Development Historic Preservation Staff, Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, Landmark Illinois, and all of the community members who contributed to the protection of these architecturally significant Chicago buildings.
Additional Reading
WATCH: Historic Near North Houses Headed for Landmark Status, Nick Blumberg, WTTW Chicago, 2/6/20
“You walk down the street and you see a lot of tall buildings going up, and then you see these wonderful little row houses that have these charming little businesses in them,” said Ward Miller of Preservation Chicago. “The human scale of these structures … really gives a sense of place, a sense of history.” (WTTW, 2/6/20)