PRESERVATION. MATTERS PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION VOLUME 26 MAY-JUNE, 2006 NUMBER 3

Focus On: University of Illinois Hillel Foundation

The Hillel Foundation building, 503 East John Street, Champaign, was designed by Max Abramovitz in 1947 and published in Architectural Record in 1948. However, it was not constructed until 1951. Although it is not specifically listed as such, the Hillel building appears to resemble the Neo-Expressionism (circ~ 1950-1970) architectural style. This style, which emphasizes "structure and function in abstract designs," was often used by archi- tects to convey a message through the form of the building. Since most radical architects, Abramovitz included, saw reli- Newspaper rendering of the new Hillel Foundation building, 503 East John.Street, Champaign. gion as a significant message, the Neo- The building was constructed in 1951 to the design of Max Abramovitz; it will be demolished Expressionism style was often selected for this summer for a new building. churches and chapels. designed and created almost simultane- building, when completed and ready for ously, the University of illinois Hillel was use, represented an outlay of approxi- Common elements of this architectural the first completed. In addition, this build- mately $400,000. Kuhne-Simmons of style are found throughout the Hillel ing closely resembles the cylindrical Champaign received the construction con- building. These include "generally sculp- chapel designed for the M.I.T. campus tract with supervision of construction led tured effects, daring structural techniques, (but not yet built in 1948) by architect Eero by a sub-committee composed of Rabbi the use of arches and vaults (found in the Saarinen. Samuel Berkowitz (then the director of chapel's dome ceiling), and structural Hillel) and Professor Granville S. Keith of columns (seen in the loggia or colonnaded Historical and Cultural Significance the University of illinois School of porch)." The building is one-story, con- Important to the sigirificance of the Hillel Architecture. Prof. Keith had been structed of red brick, concrete, and a steel building is the history of the foundation at assigned the position of supervisor by frame that stretches 200 feet horizontally the University of illinois. While the cur- Max Abramovitz (of Harrison and and supports a low, flat roof. The rounded rent building for the Hillel Foundation Abramovitz), the designer of the new chapel dome extends above the roof and is was constructed in 1951 on East John building. highlighted by the structure of the build- Street, Hillel was founded at the Univer- ing. The Hillel building is not heavily sity of illinois in 1923. The foundation's After construction, the building was adorned with windows; a few are includ- original quarters, located on the second named the Benjamin Frankel Memorial in ed near the front entranceway and light floor of a building at 605 East Green honor of the late Rabbi Frankel, who was the library area, but none are highly deco- Street, Champaign, was the first estab- the first director of the local Hillel rative. The building does feature an open lished Hillel Foundation worldwide. Foundation. Among those attending the court, named the "Courtyard of the Lord," building's dedication was the former first in the middle of the structure, which is a When Hillel acquired its attractive corner lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. grassy garden of traditional origin used location at Fifth and John, the chairman of for religious ceremonies. the Hillel Foundation Building Fund, Sam From the creation of Hillel Foundation at Shmikler, moved the foundation to a the University of illinois in 1923, it has The University of illinois Hillel building is house on the site. Building at the new grown to become the largest Jewish cam- a duplicate to that of the Jewish center location commenced shortly thereafter. pus organization in the world. Found- designed and built by Abramovitz for Isaac Kuhn, of Joseph Kuhn and Co., was ations and affiliates are on 400 campuses Northwestern University in Evanston, a primary financial contributor. The new in forty-seven countries including the illinois. While the two buildings were , Canada, Israel, Australia, social gatherings, and recreation. The of this very human being; he has the abili- Europe, and South America. library, seminar rooms, and social rooms ty to leave part of himself in his work. . . are used by both students and the com- the rare ability of getting inside of others, The Hillel Foundation, in cooperation munity. Kitchens are included, as well as to become one with them and understand with B'nai B'rith International, has had a the caretaker's and administrative suites." their needs and desires, and in the case of "historical commitment to a pluralistic this architect, translate them into satisfy- community which encourages intellectual Architectural Significance ing, finely' proportioned, livable struc- challenge and growth." In this respect, In addition to the University of illinois tures. .. Over the years, Max Abramovitz Hillel has offered programs designed to Hillel Foundation's importance as the first has been an urgent force in today's archi- ensure the preservation of Jewry and established student Jewish cultural center, tecture . . . how grateful we must be for Judaism through education, community the building also gains recognition as this one, who considers our needs and volunteer service, and other social, cultur- being the work of the notable architect, surrounds them with beauty." al, and religious programs. These activi- Max Abramovitz. Abramovitz was born ties give students the opportunity to on May 23, 1908 in , illinois. He This article was adaptedfrom a nomination enhance their Jewish identity in the col- received his bachelor's degree from the prepared by Allison Laff, a graduate student in lege experience, "making it comfortable University oflllinois in 1929. Two years Urban Planning, in 1998 as an application Jor and enjoyable for students of all back- later, he attained his masler's degree from local landmark status. Due to the objection of grounds and diverse interests to 'do after briefly teaching the owners, the building was not listed. It is Jewish'." The Hillel Foundation is a medi- in their school of architecture. In 1934, scheduled for demolition this summer. um for Jewish students to "come to know Abramovitz joined the architecture firm of each other, and together create a campus Corbett, Harrison, and McMurry, as a Champaign County Courthouse Jewish community that reflects their own designer and later, partner. After the pre- Clock Tower Update interests and needs." vious partners died, the firm' became known simply as Harrison and Abramo- Today, the University of Illinois Hillel vitz (1943). Hillel Foundation hired the After more than two years of fund raising, the Citizens' Oock and Bell Tower Foundation is directed by Joel Schwitzer. firm in 1948 to design their new building. Committee has raised over $700,000 The foundation serves the campus' Jewish Abramovitz designed buildings at other population of approximately 3,500 stu- university campuses with similar stylistic toward the goal of $1 million. The end is dents, which includes the large Jewish features. At Brandis University these in sight. The county is just now beginning to contract for the restoration of the old Greek system at the University of illinois. include the Inter-Faith Chapel (1955), courthouse exterior and the tower exten- To cater to the student's needs, the Hillel Springold Theatre, Schwartz Art Studios' Foundation offers more than twenty (1963), and the (1961). sion should be a part of that contract. The courses, for both graduate and undergrad- Abramovitz also designed the Columbia alternative is a more costly later restora- uate students, concentrating in Hebrew University Law School (1961), the tion at greater cost. Now is the time for studies and Jewish culture and society. In Wahovia National Bank Building (1958), the last big push for fund raising. Donors of $500 or more are to be memorialized on addition" several rabbis from Chicago and the Library Project. routinely visit and teach. The foundation a bronze plaque in the new Courts build- also offers study abroad programs, in Perhaps more notably, Max Abramovitz ing. Send your donation to the Oock cooperation with the University of lllinois, collaborated on a number of projects such Tower Restoration Project, 1776 East for academic credit. Likewise, Hillel works as the U.N. Headquarters building, the Washington, Urbana, IL 61802-4581 or with other campus units to bring speakers Avery Fisher Hall at for check out the website at http://www.co. to campus. the Performing Arts (1962), and the champaign.il.us/ CLOCKTOWER/bell towe.htm. Donations are tax deductible. American Telephone & Telegraph Outside of academic programming, Hillel Company Exhibit for the New York presents social action events that work World's Fair (1964). However, Abramovitz with the homeless population and local is "chiefly known for his designs of the children. Cultural programming encom- University of Illinois buildings such as the passes gayllesbian issues, women's issues, Assembly Hall (1963) and the Krannert and language discussion groups. Social Center for the Performing Arts (1969). events and cultural art, such as intramural Such buildings have led Max Abramovitz sports, Israeli dancing, authentic cooking to be nationally recognized for his struc- classes, and painting and sculpture are . tural, cultural, and stylistic architecture, included in the schedule. Hillel also offers and to become largely known as one of five kosher dinners weekly, observance of the University of illinois' most distin- services every Friday night and Saturday guished graduates." morning, and observance of Jewish holi- days. The University of Illinois Hillel The influence and significance of architect Foundation building is well-equipped to Max Abramovitz and his buildings are provide these opportunities to the Jewish summarized by Henry Dreyfuss. As writ- student community. "The chapel seats 100 ten by Dreyfuss, when one enters a build- for religious services, the auditorium ing designed by Abramovitz, "one feels accommodates 300 for lectures, dramatics, the calm, the warmth, the understanding What is Historic Integrity? Location. Is the resource on its original within related historical contexts. But location? What is the relationship between what then is historical context? It is the Is my house eligible for the National the location and the significance of the evaluation of a property in relation to its Register? It's over 100 years old. This is a property? peers. To determine historical context, a common question that PACA receives. The researcher might ask the following ques- National Register considers more than just ~. Does the resource retain its origi- tions. age for listing. Historic Integrity and nal design? What effect have later alter- Historic Significance are two important ations, additions, later construction, or Has the property been evaluated in com- considerations. The following discusses other changes had on the resource's his- parison to others with a similar history, the issue of integrity. toric appearance? design, or time period? How important was this historical theme, event, or archi- The National Register of Historic Places, ~. Does the resource retain a sense of tecturaVengineering work to local history? administered by the National Park its original siting and setting? How have Has the factual history of this property Service, employs strict guidelines for later changes to its surroundings effected been related to the general history of the determining the eligibility of properties to its historic appearance? community? Does the property have good be listed in the National Register. Eligible historic integrity? What are the character- Materials. Are the materials of the properties must meet at least one of four istics that a property should have to repre- criteria for entry in the National Register. resource authentic and original? Have sent this historical theme, event, or design later alterations or replacements effected and does this property retain them? Briefly, Criterion A states that a property the resource's historic authenticity? may be registered if it is associated with For more information about historic an event significant to the broad patterns Workmanship. Are the details of the integrity or the National Register, contact of history. Criterion B specifies that a resource still intact? Has the integrity of the illinois Historic Preservation Agency. at 217-785-4512 or visit their website at property may be registered if it is associat- construction materials, methods, and fin- ishes been considered? Is the workman- ed with the lives of significant persons. http://www.state.il.us/hpa/. Criterion C includes architecturally signif- ship of ornamentation and detailing still icant properties, while Criterion D is usu- evident? SAVE THE DATES ally associated with archeological sites. Upcoming Conferences mling. Does the resource have sufficient historic appearance to convey the reason In addition to meeting one or more of the The National Alliance of Preservation National Register criteria, a property must why it is significant? Would the builder, owner, or significant person immediately Commissions is holding their fifth bienni- also have "integrity of location, design, al National Commission Forum in Balti- setting, materials, workmanship, feeling recognize the resource? more, Maryland from July 27-30, 2006. and association." If a property has been Forum 2006 will build on the success of the seriously compromised by unsympathetic Association. Does the property have a four preceding conferences with work- alterations, it may not be eligible for the direct and tangible connection to the event or person for which the property is signifi- shops and traditional training courses Register. dedicated to new commissioners and com- cant? Does the property retain its historic mission chairs. It will also feature work- But what exactly is historic integrity? appearance from the time in which the ing roundtables and breakout sessions Below are some guidelines to help proper- person lived or the event occurred? with tours and mobile workshops. For ty owners determine the historical integri- information contact NAPC at 706-542-4731 ty of their property based on the seven Decisions concerning the significance and or check the website at 222.uga.edu/ nape. types of integrity specified by the National integrity of historic properties can be Park Service. made only when the criteria are applied

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MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY TYPE INFORMATION: o Adult $15 o New - NAME: o Student $10 o Renewal - o Senior Citizen $10 ADDRESS: 0 Family $20 PACA 0 Corporate $75 Box 2575. STATIONA PHONE: o Additional Contribution CHAMPAIGN,IL61825 - WWW.PACACC.ORG E-MAIL: MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO PACA 2173597222 Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Building Bridges:Community,Collaboration, of revolving funds with break out sessions New & Renewing Memberships CelebrtJfionis the theme of the Association on the latest financial and real estate tech- (received since the last newsletter) of Midwest Museums, the lllinois niques for establishing and expanding Charter Members (1981-1983) Association of Museums, and the funds in communities, cities, and states of Susan Appel Museum Association's 2006 conference. all sizes. The conferenceis well-known for Mr. & Mrs. R.A.Avner The event will be held in the Quad Cities its tours and special events, but the focus (lllinois and Iowa) on September 26-29, of the conference are the very informative Fantastic Supporters (Over Twenty Year 2006. The Building BridgesConferenceis a educational workshop sessions (50+) and Members) unique collaboration of three museum the ability to network with preservation- Bruce Creamer associations and twenty local museum ists from around the country. Information Mrs. Robert Sutton venues. The conference will have a is available at 866-805-5725 or www.nthp Keddy Hutson & Ann Boswell resource hall with forty products and conference.org. As a NTHP Forum mem- service providers that offer expert guid- ber, PACA members are eligible for a con- Eleven to Twenty Year Members arice, advice and ideas, as well as the most ference discount. . Sherri Slade cutting-edge products and technology. Michael Markstahler Information will be available on exhibit Salvage VIP's Richard Cahill fabrication, government grants, collections Rich Cahill Anthony Bamert & November Walker management software, web site design, Bob Swisher Ray Lytle historic preservation and architectural Mike Richards services, audio tour technology, and more. Dan Leasure Five to Ten Year Members Information is available at AMM 314-746- Betty Swisher Randy Cox 4557 or [email protected]. Darrel Foste John & Carol Leasure Kathy Reeves David & Phyllis Godwin Illinois' largest meeting devoted to the his- Mike Miller Elisabeth Jerucek & Michael Clewley, Jr. tory of the Prairie State will be October 12- Brian Duffield Mary Ellen Fleichli 13, 2006 in Springfield. The annual Neil Lasater Christine S. Fucciolo Conferenceon Illinois History will feature Jerry Schmidt Ginny Sims & Janice Lines authors Robert Bray, James Green, and Suzanne Ashley-Wannemuehler Kerry Trask. A teachers' workshop is One to Four Year Members included and the conference is accredited Salvage Donations Karl Runkle by the ISBE for CPDU. Details are avail- Gty of Urbana, Department of Publi<;Works David W. McCall able at www.lllinois-History.gov/confer Kay Saathoff Bill Roberts ence.htm. Jim Freestone Ed & Alice Vernon Dave Staske Ralph Langenheim The nation's premier preservation confer- Georgia Morgan Gary Peters ence is being held this year in , Karen Femeding Benny & Lori Dow . MakingPreservationWorkis University of lllinois Sid Duke the theme of the 2006 National Preser- Jason Finfrock vation Conference sponsored by the Taua Espenschied New Members National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Piano People Stephen Barth The dates of the event are October 31 to AI Friederich Jessica Howen & Stann Starr November 3, 2006. A pre-conference semi- Dave Monk David Puckett nar, A National Summit on Greeningof Steve Runkle Historic Preservation,will be held October Remember to check your mailing label for Robert Craft 30. Besides the Green Building session, your membership renewal date. The date other sessions will focus on various types shown indicates when you last renewed; membership runs for one year from that date. Preservation Matters: newsletter of the Preservation and Conservation Association NON-PROFIT P.O.Box2575,Station A, Champaign, IL 61825 ORG. Jerry Schmidt, President U.S. POSTAGE Catherine Barbercheck, Vice-President PAID Richard Cahill, Treasurer CHAMPAIGN,IL Kathleen Jones, Secretary Karen Lang Kummer, Exec. Director PERMIT NO. 133

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Celebrating 25 Years of Preserving the History and Architecture of Champaign County