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the VOICE THE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF PRESERVATION CHICAGO

ISSUE No 4 FALL/WINTER 2007

NORTOWN THEATER - 1930 6320 N. Western Avenue Architect: John E. O. Pridmore

CURTAINS! THE LOSS OF CHICAGO’S MOVIE HOUSES VOICEthe MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT PRESERVATION CHICAGO FALL-WINTER, 2007 Board of Directors Jonathan Fine President Forever Open, Clear, and Free – The battle to preserve Michael Moran Vice President Chicago’s green space Sharon Russell Treasurer Chicago’s architectural greatness derives as much from its voids as it does from Debbie Dodge Secretary its buildings. While the world is well aware of Chicago’s contribution to the built Todd Martin Exec. Comm. environment, the geniuses who created its parks, boulevards, and lakefront are, for Bill Neuendorf Exec. Comm. the most part, given short shrift. Craig Norris Exec. Comm. Upon Preservation Chicago’s founding, we agreed to not only advocate for Jack Spicer Exec. Comm. Chicago’s significant, at-risk buildings, but also for its historic “urban spaces.” At Laura Stigler-Marier Exec. Comm. that time, we were not quite sure what, exactly, those urban spaces would be. But Brooke Williams Exec. Comm. we knew that we couldn’t limit our mission only to bricks and mortar. Greg Brewer Board In recent years, however, it has become painfully obvious that Chicago’s open Jeremi Bryant Board spaces face as much danger as its buildings. Bob Clarke Board In 2005, a battle erupted in Palmer Square, a three-block stretch of leafy median Meghan Eagen Board that traverses the Logan Boulevard Historic District between Humboldt and Kedzie Sandy Gartler Board Boulevards. While technically a median, its expansive lawn functions more as a Vana Kikos Board park. Logan Square residents have used it for passive recreation and occasional Kim Mickelson Board community events for generations. Nina Newhouser Board But, when the Park District proposed transforming the center of the median into a Scott Rappe Board tot lot, the neighborhood cried fowl. Although their main concern was the precedent Andy Schcolnick Board that the insertion of a tot lot would set for other sections of the boulevard, they were Kimberlee Smith Board also troubled by the notion of placing a tot lot between 8 lanes of swiftly moving traffic. To date, construction has yet to begin. However, the Landmarks Commission has already endorsed the proposal, so the battle for the boulevards will continue. Staff Stacey Pfingsten Another long-simmering dispute is at Promontory Point, a 1937 Alfred Caldwell- Communications Manager designed landscape which juts into Lake Michigan at 55th Street. Hyde Park activists have been engaged in a 7-year campaign against the city’s plan to replace the limestone revetment with a sterile, poured concrete design. The conflict became Contact us: so contentious that Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. and Senator Barack Obama 1016 North Oakley Boulevard stepped in to broker a compromise. The good news is that the project seems to be Chicago, IL 60622 inching toward a peaceful resolution. www.preservationchicago.org ph: 773.489.0300 Across town, in Grant Park, the issue is whether to build a new children’s museum fax: 773.489.0874 on the site of Daley Bicentennial Plaza, a 1970’s era ice skating complex near email: [email protected] Randolph Street. Local residents have butted heads with park advocates over concerns ranging from traffic congestion, a loss of green space, and a perceived lack EDITOR IN CHIEF: Jonathan Fine of democracy in the public planning process. The original design has already been SENIOR EDITOR: Laura Stigler-Marier sent back to the drawing board and may be sent back again. However, Alderman GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Sandy Gartler Brendan Reilly (42nd) has now taken a position opposing the project over Mayor Stacey Pfingsten COMMUNICATIONS MGR.: Daley’s strenuous endorsement. This drama has yet to play itself out, but will no PHOTO CREDITS: doubt be a fascinating game of political theater. Cover: Theatre Historical Society of America Page 3: Jeremy McLean Finally, there are the 2016 Olympics, which make extensive use of our world famous Page4: Balaban and Katz Historical Foundation, parks. Washington Park on the south side is most threatened, as it may host the photograph by Franklin Swig opening and closing ceremonies in a temporary eighty thousand-seat stadium. The Page 5: Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society: plans presented to the public have been schematic and offer few details. Therefore, Lillian M. Campbell Memorial Collection (C040-239) the permanent negative effects that these over-scaled impositions may have on Page 6: Bruce Sharp, HAB Survey No. IL-1156-15 Washington Park are impossible to assess. Page 7: Mike Moran, Bruce Sharp Page 8: Debbie Dodge, Bruce Sharp Page 9: Bruce Sharp, James A. Pierce Page 10: Jonathan Fine, John Holden, Scott Rappe Page 11: Jeremy McLean Page 12: Debbie Dodge © 2007 PRESERVATION CHICAGO Jonathan Fine All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission President, Preservation Chicago is strictly prohibited. Preservation Chicago is a not-for-profit organization registered as a 501c3.

2 PRESERVATION CHICAGO www.preservationchicago.org RALLYING TO SAVE THE ALDERMAN REILLY STEPS UP TO THE PLATE: LAKE SHORE ATHLETIC CLUB OPPOSES DEMOLITION OF LAKE SHORE ATHLETIC CLUB

A TURNOUT OF OLYMPIAN PROPORTIONS! In the last several months, neighborhood residents, community groups and preservationists If the success of a protest rally is measured banded together to fight the pending demolition of the Lake Shore Athletic Club, culminating by the number of people who showed up, in a protest rally on June 3rd. (See adjacent article.) So what’s the latest score? then this one rated an undisputed “10.” THE PLAY BY PLAY With the fate of the Lake Shore Athletic Club hanging in the balance, on June 3rd, 2007, Not only has all the grass roots sound and fury grabbed the attention of the media, but of approximately 150 protesters made up of freshman Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward). On July 10th, Alderman Reilly announced preservatonists and community residents he was going to go to bat for this architectural all-star, fully acknowledging the building’s crammed the sidewalks, brandishing picket historical significance. After numerous meetings spent gathering information from a cadre signs and shouting chants in the hopes of swaying the Powers That Be to landmark of local residents, experienced architects, zoning attorneys, developers, preservationists and this architecturalheavyweight, and rescue it urban planning consultants, the Alderman came to the conclusion that “every effort should be from demolition. made to preserve and re-use the historic Lake Shore Athletic Club located at 850 North Rushing Lake Shore Drive traffic slowed Lake Shore Drive.” to a crawl, “Honking for Preservation” and giving the thumbs-up to marchers As a result, the building’s current owner, Northwestern University, agreed to extend the pleading, “Landmark This Architectural Gem!”, “Alderman Reilly: The Ball’s in Your demolition delay deadline to the end of 2007. Said Reilly, “We have precious few historic Court!” and “Mayor Daley, Save An Olympic structures like the Lake Shore Athletic Club still standing in Chicago, and arguments Legacy!” to demolish such buildings require extra In keeping with the athletic theme, scrutiny, healthy community input and Preservation Chicago’s Mike Moran, careful consideration of all available dressed in striped referee garb and options for re-use and redevelopment.” dribbling a basketball, continually whistled The purpose of the more generous “Flagrant Fouls on Fifield [Realty]”; Sharon deadline was to give the Alderman and Russell donned red boxing gloves that coordinated well with her picket sign, the University the opportunity to explore “Don’t K. O. Our History!”; and symbolizing those options. It also would level the the building’s Olympic history, Kimberlee playing field, allowing more time for Smith sprinted to and fro, carrying a “torch” preservation-minded architects and raised in defiance, while Stacey Pfingsten led cheers in a Roaring-‘20’s-style woolen developers to come forward with their bathing suit, representing the 1928 Olympic bids for renovation. Demonstrators in front of Lake Shore Athletic Club. Swimming trials that took place at the Lake Shore Athletic Club. OPPOSING TEAM IS BENCHED Did all the bells and whistles have their Fifield Realty, who were the original prospective buyers, had been contending desired effect? Please read the adjacent that there was no other choice but to destroy the building, saying it would be too article to find out! cost-prohibitive to renovate it. But such arguments are often the ones used by those whose only end game is to demolish. As Alderman Reilly has heard, experts on adaptive reuse can point to countless examples in the city and around the world that prove the wrecking ball is far from the only solution. As of September 7th, Fifield has stepped back and new, pro-preservation development plans are coming forward. One of the latest plans being discussed is to renovate and re-use the Lake Shore Athletic Club as a senior living facility with 200 units. What the final outcome will be is still up in the air. But at the very least, we’ve gone into extra innings. And a home run in saving the Lake Shore Athletic Club is very much in the realm of possibility. Working his way through the crowd, Alderman Reilly stopped to talk and listen to various groups THANK ALDERMAN REILLY FOR HIS SUPPORT who were making the case for this“Jewel of Lake Shore Drive.” If you’d like to express your thanks to Alderman Reilly for opposing demolition and encourage him to stay the course, he may be contacted at 312-642-4242 or [email protected].

– Laura Stigler-Marier

CITIZENS ADVOCATING FOR THE PRESERVATION OF CHICAGO’S HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE 3 VOICEthe THE NORTOWN IS NO MORE

The last movie flickered out at the Nortown Theater sometime in 1990, and 17 years later, the last rubble finally is being carted away. It’s an ignominious end to the grand edi- fice that made its debut in 1931 as Chicago’s “newest talkie temple” and “a beacon of light for returning prosperity.” The Nortown, at 6320 N. Western, had a lot going for it, beginning with its name. Balaban & Katz, the chain that built the 3,500-seat theater, queried North Town business and civic groups about a suitable name —the first time it sought local input about the name on one of its theaters. Members of the Nortown Theater, 2003 local Kiwanis Club, American Legion Post and other groups had no trouble selecting “Nortown” as the name to put in lights decorations and a “great community demonstration” according on the front, and B&K agreed. to press reports. The festivities seemed wildly out of synch with the theater’s debut movie, “Stolen Heaven,” the kind For the theater’s design, B&K tapped of dark gangster flick that led to the federal government’s architect J. E. O. Pridmore. 66 years “decency code” that ruled Hollywood for generations. Laurel old at the time of the commission, and Hardy provided some comic relief on the twin bill in Pridmore was a prolific designer “Chickens Come Home.” of vaudeville theaters and movie houses. Among his surviving, The Nortown settled down for a long run in West Ridge, albeit disguised, talkie temples is the surviving occasional fires. In January 1957, it attracted Varsity Theater (1710 Sherman in the ire of one Mrs. Harry Auerbach of 2134 W. Rosemont, Evanston), designed to imitate a ritzy identified in press reports as chairman of the Stone School French chateau. PTA parent education committee. Mrs. Auerbach objected to what she saw as the “complete bedlam” during the Saturday Pridmore had something special in afternoon matinees, which she said were nothing more than mind for the Nortown and its $1 million “babysitting mechanisms.” Among those matinee goers was budget. An enthusiastic designer of young Gene Siskel, later to become one of the movie business’ Nortown Theater, 1936 “atmospheric auditoriums,” Pridmore most famous critics. built the inside of the theater around a seascape motif. Using terra cotta and plaster, he put the movie By 1984, the Nortown was fighting to stay alive. The house seats inside a garden surrounded by exotic arches and columns was split into a three-screen theater that gave patrons the hinting of an Italian courtyard overlooking the sea. Through feeling they were watching a movie in somebody’s attic. the arches of the plaza festooned with gilded seahorses and Six years later, the theater closed. Efforts to convert the mermaids, patrons saw a beach stretching out to the water, where space to a Pakistani community center and later a church of a lighthouse stood, and ships sailed far out on the ocean. unaffiliated denomination not only failed, but left the theater in deeper states of disrepair. The large marquee was removed He saved the best for creating the sky. Pridmore comissioned years ago, and damage from water, fire and vandals marred the J.C. Penn, an astronomy professor at the Armour Institute interior. Long term neglect of this historic structure sealed the (now the Illinois Institute of Technology), to duplicate a deal for demolition early this fall. constellation in April 1931, the expected date of the opening of the Nortown. The stars twinkled in a deep azure sky, the lighthouse In his 1981 Tribune review of “The Warriors”, Siskel expressed beamed, the ocean lay in the background his sense of shock while seeing a rowdy group of patrons being frisked by off-duty police prior to entering his old North Town businessmen repaid Balaban & Katz for allowing neighborhood theater. One can only imagine his dismay had them to name the theater by mounting an “elaborate program” he been here to witness the backhoe tearing down the walls of to open the theater in April 1931, including streetscape this once grand movie palace.

– Maribeth Brewer and Dan Miller

4 PRESERVATION CHICAGO www.preservationchicago.org Looking south at Devon and Western, 1930s CURTAINS! THE LOSS OF CHICAGO’S NEIGHBORHOOD MOVIE HOUSE

showing of films, sported exuberant motifs so ornate that Most have been demolished. Several still stand, but they were a feast to the senses. However, the designs sit empty and idle. Some have been converted to other were anything but pure, mixing different historical uses. Only a few remain open and function as originally styles into a kitschy mélange of architectural parody that intended. They are Chicago’s historic local movie theaters, suited the purpose for which they served; a fantastical and they are a dying breed. wonderland that could belong to anyone for the price For fans of Chicago’s most well-known lost movie of admission. But no theaters were more elaborate than palaces, the names are familiar: the Tivoli, the Marbro, those owned by Balaban and Katz, who hired masters of the Granada, the Norshore, and the Paradise. Although “atmospheric” theater architecture, like brothers C.W and these losses occurred decades ago, the mere mention of George Rapp and J.E.O. Pridmore. their names still brings a twinge of pain to the most ardent By the late 20’s, when the Talkies supplanted the Silents, theater aficionados. Sadly, in neighborhoods throughout Hollywood studios were churning out a film a week. the city, the last remaining theaters from this golden age Radio was still in its infancy, so the movie industry had are still being threatened with demolition. a captive and receptive audience. Many of the larger Recent losses, like the Adelphi Theater at 7074 N. Clark theaters even had a primitive form of air conditioning Street went down last year with barely a protest. The fate and thus offered the only cool place to escape on a hot of other more prominent theaters hang in the balance. summer night. Although the film industry was blamed But without creative reuses and immediate intervention for the eventual demise of Vaudeville, larger theaters by both the public and private sector, the odds of saving sometimes offered films as well as vaudeville acts. The many of them are worse than ever. price of a ticket would often include both, plus a cartoon, a serialized “short”, a “B” picture, and a newsreel. Movie FLASHBACK: THE RISE AND FALL attendance peaked throughout the 1930’s and early 40’s OF MOVIE PALACES as a welcome respite from the despair of the Depression Reflecting the age of excess in which they were born, and the grim realities of World War II. However, with the The Roaring Twenties ushered in the heyday of the true end of the war, a new invention would spell doom for the movie palace. These theaters, built specifically for the fabled movie palace.

CITIZENS ADVOCATING FOR THE PRESERVATION OF CHICAGO’S HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE 5 VOICEthe

dubious existence, booking films of questionable content that often featured excessively violent, exploitative, or pornographic fare. Attempts to revive neighborhood theaters in the late 70’s and early 80’s extended the lives of some theaters, for a while, but at great cost to their architectural integrity. THE FATE OF THE ESQUIRE… The streamlined Moderne Esquire Theater, located at 58 E. Oak Street in the heart of the Near North Side, closed its doors in 2006. Completed in 1938 and designed by architect William L. Pereira, the theater sits vacant awaiting almost certain demolition. This situation presents an unique problem for the city. The Esquire is rated Red (the highest and most important color) by the Chicago Historical Resources Survey. No Red Rated buildings have been offered up for demolition in recent memory, and none since the Demolition Delay Ordinance went into effect in January 2003. This ordinance allows a 90-day demolition delay for buildings rated Red and Orange, but offers no protection beyond that timeline. Although a gem at the time of its construction, the Esquire has undergone numerous changes in the past two decades. The most prominent change has Granada Theatre interior, 1925-1991, 6427-41 North Sheridan Road been to its original 1400-seat auditorium, which was cut up into six smaller theaters in the late 1980’s. Despite the fact that the alterations were done with TELEVISION ENTERS THE PICTURE relative sensetivity and reflect the original Art Moderne style, The demise of the movie palace had more to do with a the loss of this stunning changing American lifestyle and the invention of television space is tragic. than any other factor. Post war prosperity brought a desire for A proposal to demolish suburban style living, and thus, an exodus from the inner city. the entire building and As television sets became more affordable, people stayed replace it with a high-rise home in air conditioned comfort to watch it. Valiant efforts hotel and retail complex by the film industry to entice patrons back to the movies has been presented. resulted in more Technicolor epics and the introduction of At this writing, Alderman new technology like Panavision, Cinemascope, and stereo Reilly (42nd) opposes the surround sound. But, in spite of this, movie attendance high-rise component, but kept dropping. the shopping mall could AND THE WALLS CAME TUMBLIN’ DOWN be built under the current zoning. The building was The late 1950’s and early 1960’s saw a rash of movie denied landmark status in palace demolitions throughout the city. By the late 60’s and the 1980’s and early 1970’s, those that remained faced an even more Esquire Theater, 1938

6 PRESERVATION CHICAGO www.preservationchicago.org

As the neighborhood changed, so too did its programming. By the late 1970’s, it showed mostly Spanish language films before finally closing its doors in the mid 1980’s. Since then, the theater has stood vacant and deteriorating. The theater is now in the control of the city’s Planning Department and numerous reuse proposals have been presented. The most promising plan to date has been a restaurant and banquet hall reuse. However, that has stalled and there is no guarantee at the present time that anything other than the historic façade will be preserved. An advocacy group called Save The Ramova has been formed to preserve this Bridgeport icon. (savetheramova.org)

Village Theater, 1916 Ramova Theater, 1929 WILL IT TAKE A VILLAGE? may not qualify as a nominee under current Landmark The future of the Village Theater also remains in doubt. ordinances, leaving demolition as a likely option. Originally built in 1916 as the Germania, its name was changed numerous times before finally becoming ATTEMPTING TO SAVE THE RAMOVA the Village in 1967. Located at 1548 N. Clark Street Another theater that faces an uncertain future is the on the Near North, the name reflects its proximity to 1200 seat Ramova Theater, located in the Bridgeport Sandburg Village. Converted from a single screen 900 neighborhood at 3518 S. Halsted Street. Built in 1929 seat theater to a 4-plex in the early 1990’s, the majority and designed by architect Meyer O. Nathan, it was of its interior detail was destroyed in the conversion, considered to be the “sister” theater to the smaller although some plaster detailing remains. Closed since Music Box located at 3733 N. Southport on the North March of 2007, the Village’s prominent location at the side. Classified as a Spanish Renaissance Atmospheric corner of North Avenue and Clark Street puts it at great theater, it featured an interior that evoked a Spanish risk. Redevelopment potential has sparked the interest courtyard looking out to a pastoral countryside. Its of the CVS Pharmacy chain. Situated one block from a celestial blue ceiling sported twinkling stars and Walgreen’s at North and Wells, the theater site presents clouds that moved across the sky. Its claim to fame an attractive corner for CVS to compete with its archrival was that it premiered, along with the Music Box, the for control of the local pharmacy trade. Although a deal 1940 Charlie Chaplin film, “The Great Dictator,” which to demolish the Village had been worked out under was kept out of the downtown theaters for fear of former Alderman Burton Natarus, Alderman Brendan arousing controversy. Reilly is proving to be more sympathetic to saving Chicago’s architectural history than his predecessor.

CITIZENS ADVOCATING FOR THE PRESERVATION OF CHICAGO’S HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE 7 VOICEthe

THE PATIO’S PREDICAMENT

Portage Park’s 1927 Patio Theater, located at 6008 W. Irving Park Rd., is one of the few single screen neighborhood theaters to have never been subdivided. Architect Rudolph G. Wolff designed the Spanish Renaissance atmospheric theater, which featured a 1500 seat auditorium and a ceiling of twinkling lights and drifting clouds. Patio Theater, 1927

Thanks to its remarkable owner, the Patio is still standing. Alexander Kovalis purchased and restored the theater and operated it as an independent movie house from 1987 until 2001. Since then, the theater has been closed and remains vacant. Although Mr. Kouvalis has no desire to accept any of the tear-down offers he has received from chain retailers for the property, numerous issues prevent him from reopening the theater, including an inability to fill the massive auditorium on a regular basis, exorbitant utility costs, and issues with the city over public amusement licensing (PPA) costs. A staircase in the Uptown Theatre Lobby, 1925 Until these issues can be addressed, the theater will remain closed. Major damage occurred when the Uptown failed to be heated for winter. A series of poor management decisions WHAT’S UP WITH THE UPTOWN? ensued in the 1990’s and continued until recently. However, a group of local volunteers, Friends of the Uptown Theater, Perhaps the longest and most frustrating battle has been that has faithfully cared for the building for over two decades of the Uptown Theater, located at 4816 N. Broadway. The and also worked to obtain both city and federal landmark largest and grandest work of architects Rapp and Rapp, the designation. The most current and seemingly most viable Uptown was crafted in a Spanish Baroque style. Its massive proposal is to turn the theater into a concert venue, but auditorium seats 4320 and, when it was built, was the largest technical and financial issues abound. Currently, the theater in terms of sheer volume in the world. building is owned by Broadway in Chicago, but Jam Productions also has a financial stake in the property. However, during the 1950’s and ‘60’s, funds had been raised for maintenance by auctioning off art and other Until the ownership issues are settled, the project to original interior details, but there never seemed to be enough restore and reopen the theater remains in limbo. The money. By the 1970’s, deferred maintenance and increasing city’s Landmarks Commission has invested over a million utility costs had taken their toll on the structure. The Uptown dollars in public funds to stabilize the terra cotta façade closed for good in 1981. At that time, its less than attentive and continues to monitor the building until a restoration owner allowed the building to fall further into disrepair. agreement can be reached.

8 PRESERVATION CHICAGO www.preservationchicago.org In Memoriam

SOME HAPPY ENDINGS JOSEPH DUCIBELLA, 1945-2007 Whether through demolition or neglect, the loss of PATRON SAINT these neighborhood movie houses was, perhaps, OF CHICAGO’S THEATER PALACES inevitable. However, numerous ones throughout the The grand movie palaces of yesterday often made city still remain economically viable. Theaters like even an Ordinary Joe feel like a celebrity, simply the Davis in Lincoln Square, the Portage in Portage by passing through their doors. One such “ordinary Joe” was Joseph DuciBella, who went on to ex- Park, and the Music Box in Lakeview continue to traordinary accomplishments, becoming a world-renowned marquee infuse their surrounding streets with life and help name as an avid historian and preservationist of Chicago’s theaters. maintain these pedestrian friendly streets as social and economic destinations. Growing up on Chicago’s tough West Side, Mr. DuciBella found escapism in Chicago’s ornate palatial theaters, their architecture sparking a life-long passion: In 1969, he helped found the interna- But communities must continue to remain vigilant tionally recognized Theatre Historical Society of America, and with against knee-jerk demolition proposals. Grass roots the aid of David R. White, wrote and compiled the encyclopedic, organizations like the Friends of the Uptown and Save soon-to-be-published “The Theatres of Chicago: The Complete Il- the Ramova play an important role in determining lustrated History.” if these theaters remain for the next generation to Heartbroken by the alarming number of theater palaces that have enjoy. In turn, city planners and elected officials succumbed to the wrecking ball since the 1950’s, DuciBella lead the must acknowledge their community significance way in saving such iconic structures as the Chicago and Oriental and future economic viability and act aggressively Theatres, and more recently, the Congress and the hard-fought-for Uptown. The first two have been restored to their original splendor; to preserve them. the last two are in the process of achieving the same. Only by working together can we ensure that we do not On June 29th, 2007, Joseph DuciBella passed away. As a lose another of our historic movie theaters. preservationist, brilliant raconteur, and true gentle man, he will be dearly missed. Still, as the saying goes, “The show must go on.” With everlasting gratitude to Mr. DuciBella, at some of the grandest Jonathan Fine – theaters ever built…it will. ALYS LAVICKA, 1948-2007 A GROWING LEGACY A tireless educational volunteer and preservationist, Alys Lavicka joined her husband, Bill Lavicka, in launching and maintaining Historic Boulevard Services, a design and construction firm special- izing in historic preservation. But what Alys was most noted for was bringing beauty and vibrancy to the school where she volunteered, and to the Near West Side neighborhood in which she lived for over 35 years.

“Alys helped co-found the preservationist movement for urban pioneering of the 1500 block of west Jackson Boulevard, now listed as both a city and a National Register Historic District,” said her husband. An avid gardener with a multi-colored thumb, Mrs. Lavicka lent her magical “green” expertise to a barren patch of land outside the Andrew Jackson Language Academy, helping transform it into a breathtaking garden.

Within the Academy, Mrs. Lavicka logged over 10,000 hours of volunteer work, dedicating herself to creating a climate supportive of the staff and beneficial to the students.

On July 24, 2007, Mrs. Lavicka succumbed after a long illness. But she will long be remembered for her special gift of inspiring growth… Music Box Theatre, 1929 whether it was in a garden, or in the spirit of young students. – Laura Stigler-Marier

CITIZENS ADVOCATING FOR THE PRESERVATION OF CHICAGO’S HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE 9 VOICEthe

LOST

Montrose and Broadway Jacob Riis School 1418 N. LaSalle 1920s Era 1111 S. Throop 1960s Remodel of a Victorian Terra Cotta Store Fronts 1914-1915, Arthur F. Hussander Townhouse; Former home of Lost: To make way for new Classical Revival late sculpter Eldon Danhausen Wilson Yard Development. Lost: Demolished for parkland Lost: New Residential at Roosevelt Square. Development.

UNCERTAIN

Rosenwald Apartments Fine Arts Annex Michael Reese Hospital 4618-4646 S. Michigan 421 S. Wabash Avenue 2929 S Ellis Ave 1929, Ermest Grunsfeld Jr. 1924, Rebori, Wentworth, Dewey 1905-07, Schmidt, Garden Moderne and McCormick & Martin Uncertain: Redevelopment Uncertain: Roosevelt University Uncertain: Threatened with proposals continue to stall. may build a new dormtory on development of possible that parcel. Olympic Village.

SAFE

444 N. LaSalle Street Arlington-Deming District Vorwaets Turnhalle/Gut Heil 1930, Art Deco 124 bldgs. between Fullerton, Clark, 2341 W. Roosevelt Rd. Saved: Now an official Chicago Deming, and Orchard in Lincoln Park 1896, Queen Anne Landmark and home to English, Saved: Chicago Landmark District Saved: Currently being a new resturant/pub. as of September 27, 2007. rehabbed.

10 PRESERVATION CHICAGO www.preservationchicago.org PROFILES IN PRESERVATION Pam Jameson, Lake Shore Athletic Club Champion

PC: What motivated you to move to Chicago – PJ: I learned two and specifically, Streeterville? lessons: 1) be persistent PJ: I came to Chicago with a job at Jewel, organizing and and 2) to listen carefully managing their investor relations program. Because I had to everyone – you never spent a significant time living in Manhattan just prior to this know where a great idea gig, management (specifically the real estate people) at Jewel, will come from. recommended that I come downtown, recognizing that I would have a tough time adjusting to the suburbs (near where PC: If you could express the corporate headquarters was located). Prior to moving to the City, the Mayor or here, I had been in Chicago on business frequently and had Alderman Reilly one thing loved the fact that Streeterville, while very much in the city’s regarding preservation, Pam Jameson (right) talking to a reporter at the center, actually has grass and flowers in the area. There’s what would that be? Lake Shore Athletic Club rally. even a park two blocks from my home. PJ: The Mayor and our new alderman [Brendan Reilly, 42nd Ward] both are to be commended for their passion in not only PC: What inspired you to advocate for the Lake Shore maintaining this great city, but also in continually striving to Athletic Club’s preservation? make it better. Reilly’s campaign positions have been PJ: I had used the club facilities – swimming and training. evidenced every day in his actions, now that he is in office. and believed it was such a beautiful building, that it should Early on, he has gained the respect of everyone in his ward be saved, if at all feasible. It was after I started the effort to for his apparent concern and interest in his constituents. landmark it that I learned of its important history. PC: What advice would you give to others who want to PC: What have you learned from this experience? take action in their neighborhoods? PJ: That most people are really wonderful. PJ: On any community action--don’t be discouraged. It’s sort of like the old expression “you have to kiss a lot of frogs PC: What surprised you the most? before you find a prince.” You will find people who agree PJ: On the other hand, I was amazed at the apathy some with your passions. If the questions relates specifically to residents have regarding their neighborhood. Some almost preservation/landmarking, etc. – work closely with seem to suffer from a sense of impermanence regarding Preservation Chicago and Landmarks Illinois. their environment.. *To read more about the campaign to save the Lake Shore Athletic Club, please visit http://www.preservationchicago.org/risk/lakeshorehtml PC: What’s the most valuable lesson you learned from this campaign that will help you in future advocacy efforts?

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THIRD UNITARIAN CHURCH BLESSED WITH PRELIMINARY LANDMARK STATUS

Situated in the Austin National Register Historic District on Chicago’s West Side, a little modest gem is about to become a Chicago landmark: it’s the Third Unitarian Church. At the time it was built, in 1936, the country was in the grips of the Great Depression. Money was scarce. Even so, the congregation was in need of a house Third Unitarian Church, 1936, 301 N. Mayfield Avenue of worship. Their prayers were answered: trailblazing modernist architect Paul Schweikher designed a church When construction was finished, the church was able to that was not only affordable, but is considered to be one of accommodate 200 members. But a growing congregation his finest works. Its very simplicity became a pioneering necessitated expansion. In 1956, an addition was built, symbol of modern architecture – and the unorthodox, can- designed by former Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice, do spirit of the church itself. architect William Fyfe, who assisted Schweikher on the original design. The church’s easy construction allowed for members to pitch in and help build it, deepening their sense of pride Enter the sanctuary, and you will see 19 ceramic portrait and spiritual attachment to the structure. Outside, it is of murals of “Saints” – wise people admired by the members common brick, which has taken on a spare aestheticism of – Thomas Jefferson, Jane Addams, Harriet Tubman its own. Inside, the simplicity is carried through with brick and others, their presence enhancing the uniqueness of and wood panel walls. Schweikher’s trademark innovative the space. In 1964, the Third Unitarian Church was window designs are also manifested in four “brick grill” listed as one of the 37 most significant buildings by the windows at the building’s front corners. And a wooden Chicago Landmarks Commission. With landmark status balcony at the rear of the auditorium pays homage to on the horizon, it’s heartening to know it will be more Schweikher’s fascination with Japanese architecture. than significant. It will be safe.

– Laura Stigler-Marier and Stacey Pfingsten

PRESERVATION CHICAGO PRSRT STD 1016 N. Oakley Boulevard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Chicago, IL 60622 CHICAGO, IL PERMIT NO. 1376

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