“A landmarked, historic Lakeview mansion, known as the Daniel O. Hill House and once at risk of demolition, sold Aug. 31 for $1.7 million.
“The museum owner listed the mansion in 2016, and it became the subject of a yearslong tussle. Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th, backed efforts to get the home on the city’s preservation list as the museum sought to demolish it.The city landmarked it in 2018, which barred owners from demolishing the historically significant home. At the time, museum leaders said the move would be a financial hit for a cultural organization already suffering ‘extreme hardship.’
“As of Aug. 31, developer Campbell Street Asset Management has bought the mansion and intends to rehab the building and convert it to apartments, co-founder Gabriel Horstick told Elite Street.
‘That’s the game plan, while preserving the historical significance and as much detail as we can,” he said. ‘We’re preservationists at heart,’ Horstick said. ‘My group essentially buys historic or vintage Chicago properties, tries to preserve and maintain the original character, and find the highest and best use through creative design planning and construction. It’s going to be fabulous.’
“Noted architect Frederick Wainwright Perkins designed the nine-bedroom house, which was named after its first owner. The 11,403-square-foot, American Foursquare-style mansion was built in 1902 and sold as-is. It has seven full bathrooms, two half-bathrooms, six fireplaces, 12-foot-high ceilings, a theater and a full basement. The 0.3-acre property is also equipped with a coach house.” (Goldsborough, 9/2/20)
Preservation Chicago and community stakeholders remained vigilant until the building’s future was secured. Preservation Chicago applauds 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney for his strong leadership and vocal opposition to the demolition of this important historic building and East Lake View landmark. In addition to the Alderman’s support, the successful outcome is due to Preservation Chicago’s rapid-response advocacy effort in partnership with community leaders, the Serbian American community, community organizations and residents, Landmarks Illinois, and DPD Landmarks staff which considered the request for Landmark Designation and recommended that the Commission on Chicago Landmarks grant preliminary protections and begin the landmark process.
We continue to support a new East Lake View Chicago Landmark District as proposed by 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney in addition to a “Meekerville” Chicago Landmark District of historic mansions east of Sheridan Road in the Lake View community.
