Preservation Chicago
Citizens advocating for the preservation of Chicago’s historic architecture Preservation Chicago
Citizens advocating for theJune preservation 9, 2011 of Chicago’s historic architecture
Andrew Mooney Commissioner, Department of Housing and Economic Development City Hall – 121 N. LaSalle, 10th Floor JanuaryChicago, 04, 2018IL 60602 Brad Suster June 9, 2011
PresidentPresident Re: Support for St. Boniface church adaptive reuse plan Ward Miller* Ms. EleanorAndrew Gorski, Mooney Deputy Commissioner, Department of Planning and Development,Dear Commissioner Historic Mooney, Preservation Division JacobVice KaplanPresident Commissioner, Department of Housing and Economic Development Jack Spicer* Vice President Mr.I Johnam Citywriting Sadler, Hall in supportChicago– 121 ofN. Departmentthe LaSalle, proposed 10th adaptiveof Transportation Floor reuse plan for the former St. Boniface Church, Secretary locatedChicago, at 1328 W.IL Chestnut60602 and 921 N. Noble, presented to us by IMP Development earlier this ! Debbie Dodge* Ms.week. Abby TheMonroe, latest proposalCoordinating incorporates Planner the, adaptiveDepartment reuse ofof anPlanning existing andhistoric structure coupled Development DebbieTreasurer Dodge with new construction. PresidentGreg Brewer* Re: Support for St. Boniface church adaptive reuse plan SecretaryWard Miller* City of Chicago Board of Directors Efforts to preserve and repurpose this important neighborhood structure date to 1998 and Preservation ! Beth Baxter 121 N. LaSalleDear Commissioner Street Mooney, ViceNicholas President Bianchi Chicago has been there from the start. Although this is not a perfect historic preservation project, it is AndrewJeremi BryantThornton vitally important that it succeed. JackSandy Spicer* Gartler Chicago, Illinois 60602 TreasurerPam Jameson I am writing in support of the proposed adaptive reuse plan for the former St. Boniface Church, SecretaryCharles Leeks Re: WhileObama it is Presidential certainly an important Center - projectJackson for Park/Midway the greater West Plaisance Town area,-Section what is more106 important is that Kristy Menas located at 1328 W. Chestnut and 921 N. Noble, presented to us by IMP Development earlier this DebbieCraig Norris Dodge* HearingsSt. Boniface and Comments, serve as a demonstration addressing projectthe Area for theof Pote scoresntial of otherEffect vacant-APE, and Roadway deteriorating historic Scott Rappe Improvementshousesweek. of worship Theand SLFPlatestthroughout-South proposal Chicago Lakefront incorporates that arePlans. begging the for adaptive adaptive reuse reuse solutions. of an existing historic structure coupled TreasurerAndy Schcolnik with new construction. Beth Schwindt BoardGregAnna Brewer*of Weaver Directors! Once a successful adaptive reuse project has been achieved, one that is both architecturally respectful and economically viable, it could serve as a model to other cities throughout Illinois and the United States. CathieBoard* Executive Bond of Directors Committee Dear Ms.Efforts Gorski, to Mr.preserve Sadler and and repurposeMs. Monroe, this important neighborhood structure date to 1998 and Preservation Beth Baxter Stuart Staff Berman ! ThankThank youChicago you for for the your has opportunity consideration. been there to bothfrom participatethe start. andAlthough address this issues is not and a perfecton the historic preservation project, it is Nicholas Jonathan Bianchi Fine EmilyJeremi Executive Nielsen Bryant Director Area ofvitally Potential important Effect-APE that and it succeed. road changes impacting Frederick Law Olmsted’s Sandy Gartler historic Jackson Park, the Midway Plaisance and nearby Washington Park, all part Stacey Pfingsten Sincerely, !Joyce Jackson Pam Communications Jameson Mgr. of Chicago’s legacy Olmsted Parks. Charles Leeks Jack Spicer While it is certainly an important project for the greater West Town area, what is more important is that Kristy Menas As PreservationSt. Boniface Chicago serve is aas Consulting a demonstration Party to theproject project, for andthe scorespart of theof other vacant and deteriorating historic AndreaCraig Norris Reed Section 106 Hearings on these National Register Resources, we share many of the Scott Rappe concerns houses and impacts of worship stated throughout in the December Chicago 1, 2017 that meeting. are begging These forpublic adaptive reuse solutions. SusannahAndy Schcolnik Ribstein commentsJonathan were Fine also reflected in prior public meetings, relating to the proposed Beth Schwindt Charles Vinz plansExecutive and the Director impact of the Obama Presidential Center and the proposed merger Anna Weaver of thePreservation twoOnce golf a Chicagocoursessuccessful into adaptiveone at Jackson reuse Parkproject and has South been Shore achieved, Cultural one Center. that is both architecturally respectful and * Executive CommitteeWe are economicallyalso in agreement viable, with it manycould of serve the letters as a model received to onother this cities topic throughoutfrom other Illinois and the United States. organizations.Cc: Tracy Sanchez Specifically, these include letters from Openlands, Jackson Park Staff Watch, ThankLandmarks you forIllinois your and consideration. Friends of the Parks to name several, on the Jonathan Fine inclusion of additional lands added to the APE-Area of Potential Effect, additions Executive Director to historic features, concerns about the framework plans and variations between 1999 documents, and the absence of actual plans. Stacey Pfingsten Sincerely, Communications Mgr.While recent Section 106 Meetings, began in December 2017, have initially focused on the APE, roadway plans for Jackson Park and the Midway Plaisance, and the potential negative and adverse impact on these important parklands, we wanted to take this opportunity to express a variety of concerns relating to these proposed plans and concepts. We also would like to address the larger impact of the Obama PresidentialJonathan Center Fine on historic Jackson Park and the adjacent Midway, in addition Executive Director Preservation Chicago
4410 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773 334 8800 (O) 773 334 8803 (F) www.preservationchicago.org Cc: Tracy Sanchez
4410 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773 334 8800 (O) 773 334 8803 (F) www.preservationchicago.org Preservation Chicago
Citizens advocating for the preservation of Chicago’s historic architecture Preservation Chicago
Citizens advocating for theJune preservation 9, 2011 of Chicago’s historic architecture
to other roadways, which will experience an adverse impact, most notably, South Lake Andrew Mooney Shore DriveCommissioner, and Cornell Department Drive. of Housing and Economic Development We are ofCity the Hall opinion – 121 thatN. LaSalle, these 10thplans Floor are all interrelated and therefore wanted to Chicago, IL 60602 express our concJuneerns 9, in2011 a direct letter to help understand some of the reasons we have arrived at various conclusions. It is our hope that this will be the most helpful way of President expressingRe: concerns Support forabout St. Boniface perspective church changes adaptive to reuse these plan legacy parks as proposed, and to Ward Miller* encourage a moreAndrew sensitive Mooney approach and therefore better outcomes. Dear Commissioner Mooney, Vice President We are very concernedCommissioner, about Departmentthe potential destructionof Housing of and cultural Economic treasures, Development impacting Jack Spicer* cultural, architectural,I am Citywriting Hall in support historical– 121 ofN. the LaSalle,and proposed natural 10th adaptive resou Floorrces, reuse some plan offor whichthe former are St.listed Boniface in the Church, Secretary National locatedRegisterChicago, at o1328f Historic W.IL Chestnut60602 Places and documents. 921 N. Noble, Below presented are listed to us a by wide IMP rangeDevelopment of critical earlier this Debbie Dodge* features of the park, which may be severely impacted and may or may not have been sensitivelyweek. considered, The latest prior proposal to the incorporates planning the of theadaptive Obama reuse Presidential of an existing Center historic-OPC structure and coupled Treasurer with new construction. PresidentGreg Brewer* the adjacent buiRe:ldings Support and forroadways St. Boniface church adaptive reuse plan Ward Miller* Board of Directors1.) PotentialEfforts negative to preserve impact and onrepurpose the Frederick this important Law Olmstedneighborhood and structure Olmsted, date Olmsted to 1998 &and Preservation Beth Baxter Eliot Design: DearThe preliminary Commissioner proposed Mooney, plan as presented, appears to radically change ViceNicholas President Bianchi Chicago has been there from the start. Although this is not a perfect historic preservation project, it is Jeremi Bryant both the historic design and impact of both Jackson Park and the Midway Plaisance, in Jack Spicer* vitally important that it succeed. Sandy Gartler both the renderings and maps, and appears to reflect a certain insensitivity to the work Pam Jameson of Olmsted andI am his writing firm. If in this support project of were the toproposed proceed forward,adaptive as reuse reflected plan in for the the former St. Boniface Church, Charles Leeks While it is certainly an important project for the greater West Town area, what is more important is that Secretary preliminary plans relating to road reconfigurations, historic roadway closures and the Kristy Menas St. Bonifacelocated serve at 1328 as a demonstration W. Chestnut project and 921for the N. scores Noble, of other presented vacant and to deterioratingus by IMP historicDevelopment earlier this DebbieCraig Norris Dodge* overall concept to remove 20-plus-acres of parkland for the Obama Presidential Center, Scott Rappe this wouldhouses perhapsweek. of worship represent The latestthroughout the proposal most Chicago disastrous incorporates that are destruction begging the for adaptive adaptive of one ofreuse reuse the solutions.most of anseminal existing historic structure coupled TreasurerAndy Schcolnik Beth Schwindt landscapes ofwith Frederick new construction. Law Olmsted. GregAnna Brewer* Weaver Once a successful adaptive reuse project has been achieved, one that is both architecturally respectful and Olmsted and his firm are recognized as one of the world’s most important Landscape * Executive Committee economically viable, it could serve as a model to other cities throughout Illinois and the United States. Board of DirectorsArchitects. TheEfforts designs to preserveof the firm and are repurposeconsidered this“public important works ofneighborhood art,” of the highest structure date to 1998 and Preservation Beth Baxter Staff artistic standards and quality, and employing the “restorative power of landscape for Nicholas Bianchi ThankChicago you for your has consideration. been there from the start. Although this is not a perfect historic preservation project, it is Jonathan Fine ordinary people,” in the words of Olmsted. The South Parks System of Jackson Park, the Jeremi Executive Bryant Director vitally important that it succeed. Sandy Gartler Midway PlaSincerely,isance and Washington Park, designed by Olmsted, is one of the firm’s most Stacey Pfingstenimportant commissions, alongside with Central Park and Riverside Park in New York Pam Communications Jameson Mgr. Charles Leeks City. The OlmstedWhile parks it is certainly of Chicago an represent important the project very best for- ofthe-the greater-best, and West are Town truly area, what is more important is that Kristy Menas world treasures. Any type of major impact and heavy-handed changes, would be Craig Norris considered adverseSt. Boniface changes serve to these as adelicate demonstration park designs project and landscapes,for the scores and of would other vacant and deteriorating historic Scott Rappe result in a majorhouses loss ofof theseworship parks throughout as an Olmsted Chicago design that and are together begging this for would adaptive be reuse solutions. Andy Schcolnik consideredJonathan tragic. Fine The two combined proposals for the Jackson Park will most likely Beth Schwindt modify, impactExecutive and Director change almost every portion and corner of this historic park. Anna Weaver PreservationOnce a Chicagosuccessful adaptive reuse project has been achieved, one that is both architecturally respectful and 2.) Proposed changes to the Midway Plaisance and adjoining gateway into Jackson Park * Executive Committee economically viable, it could serve as a model to other cities throughout Illinois and the United States. in the OPCCc: plans Tracy may Sanchez result in the potential loss and irreparable damage of the nexus and the important and delicate link, connecting Jackson Park to the Midway, and Staff extending to ThankWashington you for Park your to theconsideration. west. This is one of the most important features of Jonathan Fine these richly composed and articulated parks, along with the relationships and Executive Director connections between these various components, which are very much a part of these Stacey PfingstenOlmsted worldSincerely, treasures. Communications Mgr. 3.) The proposed removal of the May McAdams Perennial Garden, dating from the 1930s, designed by a woman and perhaps the Chicago Park District’s first female Landscape architect. This is also the site of the 1893 Women’s Building, by Sophia Hayden, one of the first large exposition buildings, designed exclusively to showcase Women’s achievements, and the only building at the Chicago World’s Fair designed by a woman. ThisJonathan is an amazing Fine legacy and so many issues relevant to the Woman’s Executive Director Preservation Chicago
4410 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773 334 8800 (O) 773 334 8803 (F) www.preservationchicago.org Cc: Tracy Sanchez
4410 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773 334 8800 (O) 773 334 8803 (F) www.preservationchicago.org Preservation Chicago
Citizens advocating for the preservation of Chicago’s historic architecture Preservation Chicago
Citizens advocating for theJune preservation 9, 2011 of Chicago’s historic architecture
Movement, and the great achievements of Women, including Suffrage efforts, were Andrew Mooney linked to Commissioner,this building Departmentand site. The of Housingbuilding and hosted Economic the likesDevelopment of Susan B. Anthony, Dr. Caroline CityWinslow Hall – 121and N. Elizabeth LaSalle, 10th Cady Floor Stanton, in addition to Jane Addams and Bertha Palmer and with works of art and murals by Mary Cassatt. This potential loss of this Chicago, IL 60602 garden, alongJune with 9, the 2011 permanent foundations of the Women’s building, located below the soil line, along with other features and memorials, would be a great loss to these President many featsRe: and Support this wonderfulfor St. Boniface story. church This adaptive is to all reuse be replaced plan in the OPC plans with a Ward Miller* water-retentionAndrew and drainage Mooney pond, as the entire site will be clear-cut and re-graded Dear Commissioner Mooney, Vice President with excavatingCommissioner, equipment in Department the existing proposedof Housing schemes and Economic for this site. Development Jack Spicer* 4.) The removalI am Citywriting of Hall Cornell in support – 121 Drive, ofN. the LaSalle, which proposed is 10th an adaptive original Floor reuse Frederick plan for Lawthe former Olmsted St. Boniface feature Church, of Secretary the park, notedChicago, as “West IL Drive” 60602 in historical plans and documents. This was drastically Debbie Dodge* located at 1328 W. Chestnut and 921 N. Noble, presented to us by IMP Development earlier this widened week.and expanded The latest inproposal the 1960s, incorporates with the the loss adaptive of hundreds reuse of anof existingtrees and historic once structure marked coupled by citizen protests to protect them--all to add additional lanes and to express traffic Treasurer with new construction. PresidentGreg Brewer* through the parkRe: ,Support which would for St. be Boniface considered church a misstep adaptive today .reuse However, plan this was a Ward Miller* former carriage drive and still retains its historic path, which could be again narrowed to Board of Directorsthe proportionsEfforts to of preserve a carriage and driverepurpose and this to furtherimportant calm neighborhood speeding structure traffic. It date is also to 1998 thought and Preservation Beth Baxter Dear Commissioner Mooney, ViceNicholas President Bianchi that removingChicago this has drive been in there the from proposed the start. OPC Although plans thiswould is not greatly a perfect enhance historic thepreservation park and project, it is Jeremi Bryant Jack Spicer* free portionsvitally from important automobile that it succeed. traffic. However, the experience of driving through a Sandy Gartler beautiful tree-lined park is also very pleasant for many drivers and the Chicago Parks Pam Jameson I am writing in support of the proposed adaptive reuse plan for the former St. Boniface Church, SecretaryCharles Leeks are reallyWhile for everyone it is certainly and an mu importantch like projectLake Shore for the Drivegreater is West a beautiful Town area, experience, what is more even important if is that Kristy Menas you’re in an automobile.located at 1328 Certainly W. Chestnut improvements and 921 and N. restoration Noble, presentedof the roadway to us can by IMP Development earlier this DebbieCraig Norris Dodge* St. Boniface serve as a demonstration project for the scores of other vacant and deteriorating historic Scott Rappe occur, whichhouses week.would of worship alsoThe greatly latestthroughout proposal improve Chicago theincorporates that experience are begging theof for the adaptive adaptive park from reuse reuse a solutions. vehicle. of an existing historic structure coupled TreasurerAndy Schcolnik However, this roadway should remain as a historic and critical Olmsted feature of Beth Schwindt Jackson Park.with new construction. GregAnna Brewer* Weaver Once a successful adaptive reuse project has been achieved, one that is both architecturally respectful and economically viable, it could serve as a model to other cities throughout Illinois and the United States. Board* Executive of Directors Committee5.) The potentialEfforts negative to preserve impacts and on otherrepurpose adjacent this and important nearby Olmsted neighborhood roadways structure and date to 1998 and Preservation Beth Baxter pastoral drives in Jackson Park. This would include a major expansion of South Lake Staff ThankChicago you for your has consideration. been there from the start. Although this is not a perfect historic preservation project, it is Nicholas Jonathan Bianchi Fine Shore Drive to accommodate the closing of Cornell Drive (formerly West Drive in the Jeremi Executive Bryant Director Olmsted Plansvitally for Jackson important Park) that and it asucceed. reconstru ction of that road to new Federal and Sandy Gartler Stacey Pfingstenmodern highwaySincerely, standards and regulations, further destroying the character of that Pam Communications Jameson amazingMgr. roadway, which has “a pastoral boulevard character” as it meets Jackson Park Charles Leeks and the LakeWhile Michigan it is Shoreline.certainly anThis important expansion project could negativelyfor the greater impact, West modify Town and area, what is more important is that Kristy Menas destroy a verySt. significant Boniface feature serve asof thea demonstration park, while also project potentially for the further scores decreasing of other vacant and deteriorating historic Craig Norris th pedestrian access to Lake Michigan and 57 Street Beach, with this widening and Scott Rappe additional traffichouses now of diverted worship to throughoutthis roadway. Chicago This area that of arethe beggingpark is one for of adaptive reuse solutions. Andy Schcolnik Olmsted’sJonathan most significant Fine relationships, between the park and lagoons and the Beth Schwindt Executive Director Anna Weaver Lakefront andOnce should a successful not be further adaptive modified. reuse There project is also has the been possibility achieved, with one these that is both architecturally respectful and changes, Preservationthat the 57th ChicagoStreet Beach may be physically impacted and reduced in size by * Executive Committeeproposed modificationseconomically and viable, a widening it could of Lakeserve Shore as a Drive.model to other cities throughout Illinois and the United States. Cc: Tracy Sanchez Staff 6.) Impact of Thanka large youincongruous for your andconsideration. awkward parking garage squeezed into the Jonathan Fine middle of the Midway, at the gateway entry to Jackson Park, with the rearranging of Executive Directorexisting streets, and access to the proposed above-ground facility. This is all paired with the visual discourseSincerely, of an above-ground parking facility, which will upset the integrity Stacey Pfingstenof the Midway, which connects both Jackson Park and Washington Parks. Communications Mgr. 7.) The impact on Promontory Point, with possible changes and modifications to South Lake Shore Drive, and its possible widening to accommodate automobile traffic from the proposed closing of Cornell Drive and other streets and former carriage drives throughout the park. Jonathan Fine Executive Director Preservation Chicago
4410 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773 334 8800 (O) 773 334 8803 (F) www.preservationchicago.org Cc: Tracy Sanchez
4410 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773 334 8800 (O) 773 334 8803 (F) www.preservationchicago.org Preservation Chicago
Citizens advocating for the preservation of Chicago’s historic architecture Preservation Chicago
Citizens advocating for theJune preservation 9, 2011 of Chicago’s historic architecture
8.) Removal of sacred greenspaces, small meadows, and gardens, which are also a vital Andrew Mooney part of theCommissioner, Olmstead legacy Department of trees, of Housing which oftenand Economic help to Developmentform these spaces. Olmsted cited thatCity the Halltrees – 121are N.very LaSalle, important 10th Floor and among his favorite things, and this site has many old growth trees, some predating the park and reflecting the wetlands that existed Chicago, IL 60602 where the LakefrontJune 9, met 2011 the marshy soils of Chicago. He also advocated for “the respect of the genius of a place…noting every site has ecologically and spiritually unique qualities” and President “…to createRe: an Support unconscious for St. Bonifaceprocess that church produced adaptive relaxation reuse plan” to the viewer and the Ward Miller* experience ofAndrew the parks. Mooney These parks and this park were for everyone, without Dear Commissioner Mooney, Vice President distraction orCommissioner, “distracting elements Department”, which Olmstedof Housing fought and continuously, Economic Development until perfect. Jack Spicer* The proposed modifications and OPC tower in Jackson Park will certainly be a “distractingI am element”. Citywriting Hall in support The– 121 idea ofN. the ofLaSalle, anproposed Olmsted 10th adaptive pFloorark reuseas a place plan for to theregenerate former St. oneself Boniface in Church, Secretary nature, especiallyChicago, in a large IL 60602 industrial city like Chicago, is reflected in his quotation--“It Debbie Dodge* located at 1328 W. Chestnut and 921 N. Noble, presented to us by IMP Development earlier this is one greatweek. purpose The oflatest the Parkproposal to supply incorporates to the hundredsthe adaptive of thousandsreuse of an of existing tired workers, historic structurewho have coupled Treasurer no opportunitywith new to spen construction.d their summers in the country, a specimen of God’s handiwork that shall PresidentGreg Brewer* be to them, inexpensively,Re: Support what for a St.month Boniface or two inchurch the White adaptive Mountains reuse or inplan the Adirondacks is, Ward Miller* at great cost, to those in easier circumstances.” Board of Directors Efforts to preserve and repurpose this important neighborhood structure date to 1998 and Preservation Beth Baxter Dear Commissioner Mooney, ViceNicholas President Bianchi 9.) The impactChicago on has the been historical there from and the very start. important Although viewthis is- shedsnot a perfect and vistas historic throughout preservation project, it is Jeremi Bryant Jack Spicer* Jackson Park,vitally andimportant on the that Midway it succeed. with this proposal and larger development of the Sandy Gartler OPC. This project will impact many perspectives and view-sheds from most every Pam Jameson I am writing in support of the proposed adaptive reuse plan for the former St. Boniface Church, SecretaryCharles Leeks direction,While and itbecoming is certainly a an predominant important project feature for the of greaterthe park. West Olmsted Town area, is said what to is havemore important is that Kristy Menas redesigned thelocated park to at accommodate 1328 W. Chestnut the Palace and of 921 Fine N. Arts, Noble, later presented known as theto usField by IMP Development earlier this DebbieCraig Norris Dodge* St. Boniface serve as a demonstration project for the scores of other vacant and deteriorating historic Scott Rappe Museum housesof Naturalweek. of worship HistoryThe latestthroughout until proposal 1922, Chicago and incorporates thatthen are becoming begging the for the adaptive adaptive (Rosenwald) reuse reuse solutions. Museum of an existing of historic structure coupled TreasurerAndy Schcolnik Science and Industry to present day, as the primary feature of the park. The Museum Beth Schwindt building, withwith its symmetricalnew construction. plan is also visually centered at the park’s north end and GregAnna Brewer* Weaver Once a successful adaptive reuse project has been achieved, one that is both architecturally respectful and framed by 57th Street and Cornell Drive, which is proposed to be removed, further economically viable, it could serve as a model to other cities throughout Illinois and the United States. Board* Executive of Directors Committeeunbalancing Effortsthe original to preserve vision, centered and repurpose within these this importantperimeters neighborhoodby historic structure date to 1998 and Preservation Beth Baxter carriageways and drives. The proposed tower and OPC would further adversely impact Staff ThankChicago you for your has consideration. been there from the start. Although this is not a perfect historic preservation project, it is Nicholas Jonathan Bianchi Fine that vision and of course is off-center and off-alignment with Jackson Park, the Midway Jeremi Executive Bryant Director and would byvitally an asymmetrical important that feature it succeed. within a delicately balanced park. Sandy Gartler Stacey Pfingsten Sincerely, Pam Communications Jameson 10.)Mgr. Possible impact of both the Obama Presidential Center Tower, plaza, outbuildings Charles Leeks and garage, onWhile the migratoryit is certainly-fly- zonean important of birds and project other for wildlife, the greater which Westuse the Town parks area, what is more important is that Kristy Menas and specifically the long Midway Plaisance expanse, as it has direct access to Lake Craig Norris St. Boniface serve as a demonstration project for the scores of other vacant and deteriorating historic Michigan from Washington Park and others areas to the west. The area of the Midway Scott Rappe proposed forhouses the garage of worshipis also a placethroughout for waterfowl, Chicago which that furtherare begging encourages for adaptive wildlife reuse solutions. Andy Schcolnik and natureJonathan in the parksFine and the Midway. Beth Schwindt Executive Director Anna Weaver 11.) A treePreservation-cutOnce or loss a Chicagosuccessful of approximately adaptive 500 reuse trees projectfor just thehas 20 been plus achieved, acres of space one thatfor the is both architecturally respectful and * Executive CommitteeObama Presidentialeconomically Center. viable, An additional it could 2,500 serve trees, as a some model old to-growth other cities trees arethroughout to be Illinois and the United States. lost for a Cc:reconfiguration Tracy Sanchez of the proposed golf courses and fairways at Jackson Park and Staff South Shore CultuThankral you Center. for your This consideration.may not even include the cutting of trees and the loss Jonathan Fine of greenspace to further widen South Lake Shore Drive, if Cornell Drive is to be closed Executive Directorand the potential widening of South Stony Island Avenue and both park loss and potential tree cut for this widening and expansion. Stacey Pfingsten Sincerely, CommunicationsIt Mgr.also seems a bit peculiar for a large city like Chicago, that such a proposal would reduce two separate golf courses, with 27 holes and greens, and make one golf course of 18 holes and greens from two. Instead, we should be restoring the two golf courses—the Jackson Park course said to the oldest course, west of the Allegany’s, and instead increase the number of golf courses to three available facilities, with a professional-grade Tiger Woods Jonathancourse elsewhere. Fine Perhaps this could be located on the old South Works Steel Site, alongExecutive the Lakefront, Director which would extend the Lakefront park system along the Preservation Chicago
4410 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773 334 8800 (O) 773 334 8803 (F) www.preservationchicago.org Cc: Tracy Sanchez
4410 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773 334 8800 (O) 773 334 8803 (F) www.preservationchicago.org Preservation Chicago
Citizens advocating for the preservation of Chicago’s historic architecture Preservation Chicago
Citizens advocating for theJune preservation 9, 2011 of Chicago’s historic architecture
newest section of Lake Shore Drive, South of 79th Street-Rainbow Beach. This would help Andrew Mooney to both preserveCommissioner, and activate Department recre ofation Housing and and additional Economic greenspaces Development to the South and have a seriesCity Hallof courses – 121 N. for LaSalle, all levels 10th Floorof golfing, from beginners, to intermediate and to a professional level. Such an idea may also positively impact the South Chicago Chicago, IL 60602 community. June 9, 2011 President 12.) PotentialRe: Support loss and for damage St. Boniface to the church Nature adaptive Sanctuary reuse plan at the South Shore Cultural Ward Miller* Center, whichAndrew may greatly Mooney impact the habitat of many plant and animal species. Dear Commissioner Mooney, Vice President 13.) In additionCommissioner, to the points above, Department the disturbance of Housing and and possible Economic destruction Development of Jack Spicer* archeologicalI am City writingmaterial Hall in support comprised– 121 ofN. the LaSalle, of proposed the World’s 10th adaptive Floor Columbian reuse plan Exposition/Chicago for the former St. Boniface Church, Secretary World’s Fair,locatedChicago, including at 1328 W. ILfoundations Chestnut60602 and of 921 many N. Noble, exhibition presented halls, to by us a by who’s IMP Development-who of earlier this Debbie Dodge* architects that designed these structures. These include the permanent masonry foundationsweek. of theThe Women’slatest proposal Building incorporates and the the Children’s adaptive reuse Building, of an existing a first historicof its kind structure and coupled Treasurer with new construction. PresidentGreg Brewer* designed by architect,Re: Support Sophia for HaydenSt. Boniface—a woman church architect adaptive for reusea Women’s plan Building and Ward Miller* dating from 1892-1893. This was a most important event for both Chicago and Board of DirectorsAmerican,Efforts celebrating to preserve the and 400 repurposeth anniversary this important of the discovery neighborhood of America, structure dateby Christopher to 1998 and Preservation Beth Baxter Dear Commissioner Mooney, ViceNicholas President Bianchi Columbus.Chicago It was has an been event there that from was the on start. the world Although stage this andis not was a perfect as important historic preservation to project, it is Jeremi Bryant America, as its European counterparts in London in 1851 and Paris in 1889. This cannot Jack Spicer* vitally important that it succeed. Sandy Gartler be understated as to its importance, relating to architecture, urban cities, planning, in Pam Jameson addition to theI am technologies writing in thatsupport appeared of the in proposed the many largeadaptive-scale reuse and voluminous plan for the former St. Boniface Church, SecretaryCharles Leeks While it is certainly an important project for the greater West Town area, what is more important is that Kristy Menas exhibition hallslocated of the atFair. 1328 W. Chestnut and 921 N. Noble, presented to us by IMP Development earlier this DebbieCraig Norris Dodge* St. Boniface serve as a demonstration project for the scores of other vacant and deteriorating historic Scott Rappe 14.) Addressinghousesweek. ofthe worship existingThe latestthroughout neglect proposal Chicagoand deferred incorporates that are maintenance begging the for adaptive adaptive to crumbling reuse reuse solutions. pedestrianof an existing historic structure coupled TreasurerAndy Schcolnik Beth Schwindt paths, numerouswith park new buildings,construction. shelters and features, including the Greg Brewer* Anna Weaver Columbia/ClarenceOnce a successful Darrow adaptive Bridge, reuse the project “Golf has Shelter” been achieved, and Comfort one that isStation, both architecturally near 67th respectful and and Lakeeconomically Shore Drive, viable, the Iowait could Building serve as anda model other to otherfeatures, cities whichthroughout have Illinois long and ago the United States. Board* Executive of Directors Committee Efforts to preserve and repurpose this important neighborhood structure date to 1998 and Preservation Beth Baxter deserved the attention of the Chicago Park District and the City of Chicago. These Staff should stillThank beChicago restoredyou for your has and consideration. been addressed, there infrom addition the start. to the Although many buildings this is notof the a perfectSouth historic preservation project, it is Nicholas Jonathan Bianchi Fine Jeremi Executive Bryant Director Shore Culturalvitally Center, important some which that itare succeed. in better shape than others, like the stables and Sandy Gartler connecting gatehouse. This reexamination of the parks, is an opportunity to address Stacey Pfingsten Sincerely, Pam Communications Jameson theseMgr. issues with or without the addition of the OPC and the proposed changes to the Charles Leeks golf courses. While it is certainly an important project for the greater West Town area, what is more important is that Kristy Menas Craig Norris Therefore weSt. at PreservationBoniface serve Chicago as a feeldemonstration the impact on project the world for -therenowned scores legacy of other vacant and deteriorating historic Scott Rappe parks, of Jacksonhouses Park, of the worship Midway, throughout Washington Chicago Park and that the are Chicago begging Lakefront, for adaptive reuse solutions. Andy Schcolnik would experienceJonathan Fine a tremendous adverse impact to these very important National Beth Schwindt Register siteExecutives. Director Anna Weaver PreservationOnce a Chicagosuccessful adaptive reuse project has been achieved, one that is both architecturally respectful and We would therefore recommend at this time that the Obama Presidential Center, which * Executive Committee economically viable, it could serve as a model to other cities throughout Illinois and the United States. we graciouslyCc: Tracy welcome Sanchez as another great Chicago institution and museum, consider a relocation to another nearby site, which would have a lesser impact on these amazing Staff legacy parks.Thank Perhaps you there for areyour equally consideration. close sites in proximity to the existing University Jonathan Fine of Chicago Campus, with its many resources, libraries and museums. This institution Executive Director would thereby build upon and contribute to those existing resources. Stacey Pfingsten Sincerely, CommunicationsWe Mgr. have also identified several of these potential sites, owned by the University of Chicago, and extending from the Washington Park Neighborhood at the Green Line, which would be most beneficial to the community, to the University of Chicago Campus. Other sites, fronting, but not on, the Midway Plaisance, at both 60th and Cottage Grove Avenue (which is currently a paved parking lot), and to a site just west of and adjacent to The Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts (another paved parking lot), which wouldJonathan also place Finethese buildings, also by the same architect, next to one another Executive Director Preservation Chicago
4410 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773 334 8800 (O) 773 334 8803 (F) www.preservationchicago.org Cc: Tracy Sanchez
4410 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773 334 8800 (O) 773 334 8803 (F) www.preservationchicago.org Preservation Chicago
Citizens advocating for the preservation of Chicago’s historic architecture Preservation Chicago
Citizens advocating for theJune preservation 9, 2011 of Chicago’s historic architecture
and fronting the Midway. This would allow for a cohesive architectural vision by the Andrew Mooney same architecturalCommissioner, firm, Department while grouping of Housing resources and Economic close together. Development These alternate sites also haveCity ample Hall parking– 121 N. LaSalle,facilities 10th nearby, Floor so a new garage structure would not be required. Perhaps such a site, with the aid of the University of Chicago, could also Chicago, IL 60602 sponsor the returnJune 9,of 2011the “Obama Presidential Library and Archives concept,” which would set a very high standard and level of research, which could further this as a President destinationRe: for Support both forscholars, St. Boniface researchers church adaptive and tourists reuse alike.plan Ward Miller* Andrew Mooney We hope Dearthat Commissionerthese suggestions Mooney, are helpful and that they may positively impact future Vice President Commissioner, Department of Housing and Economic Development Jack Spicer* plans and decisions relating to the sacred qualities and features of these Olmsted Parks—a Itrue am Citywriting work Hall inof support art,– 121 by ofN.one the LaSalle, of proposed the great 10th adaptive masters Floor reuse of Landscapeplan for the formerArchitecture. St. Boniface Church, Secretary locatedChicago, at 1328 W.IL Chestnut60602 and 921 N. Noble, presented to us by IMP Development earlier this Debbie Dodge* Sincerely, week. The latest proposal incorporates the adaptive reuse of an existing historic structure coupled Treasurer with new construction. PresidentGreg Brewer* Re: Support for St. Boniface church adaptive reuse plan Ward Miller* Ward Miller Board of Directors Efforts to preserve and repurpose this important neighborhood structure date to 1998 and Preservation Beth Baxter Dear Commissioner Mooney, ViceNicholas President Bianchi Ward Miller,Chicago Executive has been Director there from the start. Although this is not a perfect historic preservation project, it is Jeremi Bryant Jack Spicer* vitally important that it succeed. Sandy Gartler Preservation Chicago Pam Jameson I am writing in support of the proposed adaptive reuse plan for the former St. Boniface Church, SecretaryCharles Leeks While it is certainly an important project for the greater West Town area, what is more important is that Kristy Menas 4410 N. Ravenswoodlocated atAvenue 1328 W. Chestnut and 921 N. Noble, presented to us by IMP Development earlier this DebbieCraig Norris Dodge* St. Boniface serve as a demonstration project for the scores of other vacant and deteriorating historic Scott Rappe Chicago, housesIllinoisweek. of 60640 worship The latestthroughout proposal Chicago incorporates that are begging the for adaptive adaptive reuse reuse solutions. of an existing historic structure coupled TreasurerAndy Schcolnik Beth Schwindt with new construction. GregAnna Brewer* Weaver 773-398-6432Once- cella successful adaptive reuse project has been achieved, one that is both architecturally respectful and economically viable, it could serve as a model to other cities throughout Illinois and the United States. Board* Executive of Directors Committee Efforts to preserve and repurpose this important neighborhood structure date to 1998 and Preservation Beth Baxter Staff ThankChicago you for your has consideration. been there from the start. Although this is not a perfect historic preservation project, it is Nicholas Jonathan Bianchi Fine Jeremi Executive Bryant Director vitally important that it succeed. Sandy Gartler Stacey Pfingsten Sincerely, Pam Communications Jameson Mgr. Charles Leeks While it is certainly an important project for the greater West Town area, what is more important is that Kristy Menas Craig Norris St. Boniface serve as a demonstration project for the scores of other vacant and deteriorating historic Scott Rappe houses of worship throughout Chicago that are begging for adaptive reuse solutions. Andy Schcolnik Jonathan Fine Beth Schwindt Executive Director Anna Weaver PreservationOnce a Chicagosuccessful adaptive reuse project has been achieved, one that is both architecturally respectful and * Executive Committee economically viable, it could serve as a model to other cities throughout Illinois and the United States. Cc: Tracy Sanchez Staff Thank you for your consideration. Jonathan Fine Executive Director
Stacey Pfingsten Sincerely, Communications Mgr.
Jonathan Fine Executive Director Preservation Chicago
4410 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773 334 8800 (O) 773 334 8803 (F) www.preservationchicago.org Cc: Tracy Sanchez
4410 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 773 334 8800 (O) 773 334 8803 (F) www.preservationchicago.org