Known as the ‘Ken Nordine House’, the historic home at 6106 N. Kenmore, was the long-time residence of vocalist Ken Nordine. After his passing in 2019, the house was listed for sale. Multiple offers were received for the property including some from developers looking to demolish it and preservation-oriented buyers looking to preserve it. Preservation Chicago was able to identify a qualified purchaser of substantial means who is ready, willing and able to purchase the home for use a single-family residence.
Despite an outpouring of concern from the Edgewater Historical Society and other community members regarding the fate of the home, the intent of the sellers was made known on December 23, 2019 when a demolition permit for the building was applied for.
Because of the “orange rated” status of the home on the Chicago Historic Resources Survey, the application for a demolition permit triggered the start of a 90-day demolition delay which would have expired on March 12, 2020.
Fortunately, the dedicated advocacy of the Edgewater community, the Edgewater Historical Society, Preservation Chicago, Landmarks Illinois, along with the support of 48th Ward Alderman Harry Osterman, the City of Chicago Commission on Chicago Landmarks and Landmarks Staff, created the circumstances to allow the Preliminary Landmark designation which was approved on March 5, 2020. This designation protects the historic building against demolition. The Perkins-Nordine House was designed by Pond & Pond, an outstanding architectural firm.
Preservation Chicago advocated with urgency to help bring about this outcome and is thrilled with this preservation win.
