check out our new section voice · 2010-12-13 · extra innings. and a home run in saving the lake...

ISSUE No 4 FALL/WINTER 2007

Check out our new section “Profiles in Preservation”

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THE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF PRESERVATION CHICAGO

CURTAINS! THE LOSS OF CHICAGO’S MOVIE HOUSES

NORTOWN THEATER - 19306320 N. Western AvenueArchitect: John E. O. Pridmore

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTFALL-WINTER, 2007

Forever Open, Clear, and Free – The battle to preserve Chicago’s green spaceChicago’s architectural greatness derives as much from its voids as it does from its buildings. While the world is well aware of Chicago’s contribution to the built environment, the geniuses who created its parks, boulevards, and lakefront are, for the most part, given short shrift.

Upon Preservation Chicago’s founding, we agreed to not only advocate for Chicago’s significant, at-risk buildings, but also for its historic “urban spaces.” At that time, we were not quite sure what, exactly, those urban spaces would be. But we knew that we couldn’t limit our mission only to bricks and mortar.

In recent years, however, it has become painfully obvious that Chicago’s open spaces face as much danger as its buildings.

In 2005, a battle erupted in Palmer Square, a three-block stretch of leafy median that traverses the Logan Boulevard Historic District between Humboldt and Kedzie Boulevards. While technically a median, its expansive lawn functions more as a park. Logan Square residents have used it for passive recreation and occasional community events for generations.

But, when the Park District proposed transforming the center of the median into a tot lot, the neighborhood cried fowl. Although their main concern was the precedent that the insertion of a tot lot would set for other sections of the boulevard, they were 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.

Another long-simmering dispute is at Promontory Point, a 1937 Alfred Caldwell-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 so contentious that Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. and Senator Barack Obama stepped in to broker a compromise. The good news is that the project seems to be inching toward a peaceful resolution.

Across town, in Grant Park, the issue is whether to build a new children’s museum on the site of Daley Bicentennial Plaza, a 1970’s era ice skating complex near 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 of democracy in the public planning process. The original design has already been sent back to the drawing board and may be sent back again. However, Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd) has now taken a position opposing the project over Mayor Daley’s strenuous endorsement. This drama has yet to play itself out, but will no doubt be a fascinating game of political theater.

Finally, there are the 2016 Olympics, which make extensive use of our world famous parks. Washington Park on the south side is most threatened, as it may host the opening and closing ceremonies in a temporary eighty thousand-seat stadium. The plans presented to the public have been schematic and offer few details. Therefore, the permanent negative effects that these over-scaled impositions may have on Washington Park are impossible to assess.

Jonathan FinePresident, Preservation Chicago

PRESERVATION CHICAGO

Board of DirectorsJonathan Fine PresidentMichael Moran Vice PresidentSharon Russell TreasurerDebbie Dodge SecretaryTodd Martin Exec. Comm.Bill Neuendorf Exec. Comm.Craig Norris Exec. Comm.Jack Spicer Exec. Comm.Laura Stigler-Marier Exec. Comm.Brooke Williams Exec. Comm.Greg Brewer BoardJeremi Bryant BoardBob Clarke BoardMeghan Eagen BoardSandy Gartler BoardVana Kikos BoardKim Mickelson BoardNina Newhouser BoardScott Rappe BoardAndy Schcolnick BoardKimberlee Smith Board

StaffStacey Pfingsten Communications Manager

Contact us:1016 North Oakley BoulevardChicago, IL 60622www.preservationchicago.orgph: 773.489.0300fax: 773.489.0874email: [email protected]

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Jonathan FineSENIOR EDITOR: Laura Stigler-MarierGRAPHIC DESIGNER: Sandy GartlerCOMMUNICATIONS MGR.: Stacey Pfingsten

PHOTO CREDITS:Cover: Theatre Historical Society of America Page 3: Jeremy McLean Page4: Balaban and Katz Historical Foundation,photograph by Franklin Swig Page 5: Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society: Lillian M. Campbell Memorial Collection (C040-239) Page 6: Bruce Sharp, HAB Survey No. IL-1156-15Page 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 CHICAGOAll rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. Preservation Chicago is a not-for-profit organization registered as a 501c3.

PRESERVATION CHICAGO www.preservationchicago.org

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RALLYING TO SAVE THELAKE SHORE ATHLETIC CLUB

A TURNOUT OF OLYMPIAN PROPORTIONS!

If the success of a protest rally is measured by the number of people who showed up, then this one rated an undisputed “10.”

With the fate of the Lake Shore Athletic Club hanging in the balance, on June 3rd, 2007, approximately 150 protesters made up of preservatonists and community residents crammed the sidewalks, brandishing picket signs and shouting chants in the hopes of swaying the Powers That Be to landmark this architecturalheavyweight, and rescue it from demolition.

Rushing Lake Shore Drive traffic slowed to a crawl, “Honking for Preservation” and giving the thumbs-up to marchers pleading, “Landmark This Architectural Gem!”, “Alderman Reilly: The Ball’s in Your Court!” and “Mayor Daley, Save An Olympic Legacy!”

In keeping with the athletic theme, Preservation Chicago’s Mike Moran, dressed in striped referee garb and dribbling a basketball, continually whistled “Flagrant Fouls on Fifield [Realty]”; Sharon Russell donned red boxing gloves that coordinated well with her picket sign, “Don’t K. O. Our History!”; and symbolizing the building’s Olympic history, Kimberlee Smith sprinted to and fro, carrying a “torch” raised in defiance, while Stacey Pfingsten led cheers in a Roaring-‘20’s-style woolen bathing suit, representing the 1928 Olympic Swimming trials that took place at the Lake Shore Athletic Club.

Did all the bells and whistles have their desired effect? Please read the adjacent article to find out!

ALDERMAN REILLY STEPS UP TO THE PLATE:OPPOSES DEMOLITION OF LAKE SHORE ATHLETIC CLUB

In the last several months, neighborhood residents, community groups and preservationists banded together to fight the pending demolition of the Lake Shore Athletic Club, culminating in a protest rally on June 3rd. (See adjacent article.) So what’s the latest score?

THE PLAY BY PLAY

Not only has all the grass roots sound and fury grabbed the attention of the media, but of freshman Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward). On July 10th, Alderman Reilly announced he was going to go to bat for this architectural all-star, fully acknowledging the building’s historical significance. After numerous meetings spent gathering information from a cadre of local residents, experienced architects, zoning attorneys, developers, preservationists and urban planning consultants, the Alderman came to the conclusion that “every effort should be made to preserve and re-use the historic Lake Shore Athletic Club located at 850 North Lake Shore Drive.”

As a result, the building’s current owner, Northwestern University, agreed to extend the demolition delay deadline to the end of 2007. Said Reilly, “We have precious few historic structures like the Lake Shore Athletic Club still standing in Chicago, and arguments to demolish such buildings require extra scrutiny, healthy community input and careful consideration of all available options for re-use and redevelopment.” The purpose of the more generous deadline was to give the Alderman and the University the opportunity to explorethose options. It also would level the playing field, allowing more time forpreservation-minded architects and developers to come forward with theirbids for renovation. OPPOSING TEAM IS BENCHED

Fifield Realty, who were the original prospective buyers, had been contending that there was no other choice but to destroy the building, saying it would be too 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.

THANK ALDERMAN REILLY FOR HIS SUPPORT

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

Working his way through the crowd, Alderman Reilly stopped to talk and listen to various groups who were making the case for this “Jewel of Lake Shore Drive.”

Demonstrators in front of Lake Shore Athletic Club.

CITIZENS ADVOCATING FOR THE PRESERVATION OF CHICAGO’S HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE

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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 local Kiwanis Club, American Legion Post and other groups had no trouble selecting “Nortown” as the name to put in lights on the front, and B&K agreed.

For the theater’s design, B&K tapped architect J. E. O. Pridmore. 66 years old at the time of the commission, Pridmore was a prolific designer of vaudeville theaters and movie houses. Among his surviving, albeit disguised, talkie temples is the Varsity Theater (1710 Sherman in Evanston), designed to imitate a ritzy French chateau.

Pridmore had something special in mind for the Nortown and its $1 million budget. An enthusiastic designer of “atmospheric auditoriums,” Pridmore built the inside of the theater around

a seascape motif. Using terra cotta and plaster, he put the movie seats inside a garden surrounded by exotic arches and columns hinting of an Italian courtyard overlooking the sea. Through the arches of the plaza festooned with gilded seahorses and mermaids, patrons saw a beach stretching out to the water, where a lighthouse stood, and ships sailed far out on the ocean.

He saved the best for creating the sky. Pridmore comissioned J.C. Penn, an astronomy professor at the Armour Institute (now the Illinois Institute of Technology), to duplicate a constellation in April 1931, the expected date of the opening of the Nortown. The stars twinkled in a deep azure sky, the lighthouse beamed, the ocean lay in the background

North Town businessmen repaid Balaban & Katz for allowing them to name the theater by mounting an “elaborate program” to open the theater in April 1931, including streetscape

decorations and a “great community demonstration” according to press reports. The festivities seemed wildly out of synch with the theater’s debut movie, “Stolen Heaven,” the kind of dark gangster flick that led to the federal government’s “decency code” that ruled Hollywood for generations. Laurel and Hardy provided some comic relief on the twin bill in “Chickens Come Home.”

The Nortown settled down for a long run in West Ridge, surviving occasional fires. In January 1957, it attracted the ire of one Mrs. Harry Auerbach of 2134 W. Rosemont, identified in press reports as chairman of the Stone School PTA parent education committee. Mrs. Auerbach objected to what she saw as the “complete bedlam” during the Saturday afternoon matinees, which she said were nothing more than “babysitting mechanisms.” Among those matinee goers was young Gene Siskel, later to become one of the movie business’ most famous critics.

By 1984, the Nortown was fighting to stay alive. The house was split into a three-screen theater that gave patrons the feeling they were watching a movie in somebody’s attic. Six years later, the theater closed. Efforts to convert the space to a Pakistani community center and later a church of unaffiliated denomination not only failed, but left the theater in deeper states of disrepair. The large marquee was removed years ago, and damage from water, fire and vandals marred the interior. Long term neglect of this historic structure sealed the deal for demolition early this fall.

In his 1981 Tribune review of “The Warriors”, Siskel expressed his sense of shock while seeing a rowdy group of patrons being frisked by off-duty police prior to entering his old neighborhood theater. One can only imagine his dismay had he been here to witness the backhoe tearing down the walls of this once grand movie palace.

– Maribeth Brewer and Dan Miller

Nortown Theater, 1936

Nortown Theater, 2003


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Most have been demolished. Several still stand, but sit empty and idle. Some have been converted to other uses. Only a few remain open and function as originally intended. They are Chicago’s historic local movie theaters, and they are a dying breed.

For fans of Chicago’s most well-known lost movie palaces, the names are familiar: the Tivoli, the Marbro, the Granada, the Norshore, and the Paradise. Although these losses occurred decades ago, the mere mention of their names still brings a twinge of pain to the most ardent theater aficionados. Sadly, in neighborhoods throughout the city, the last remaining theaters from this golden age are still being threatened with demolition.

Recent losses, like the Adelphi Theater at 7074 N. Clark Street went down last year with barely a protest. The fate of other more prominent theaters hang in the balance. But without creative reuses and immediate intervention by both the public and private sector, the odds of saving many of them are worse than ever.

FLASHBACK: THE RISE AND FALL OF MOVIE PALACES Reflecting the age of excess in which they were born, The Roaring Twenties ushered in the heyday of the true movie palace. These theaters, built specifically for the

showing of films, sported exuberant motifs so ornate that they were a feast to the senses. However, the designs were anything but pure, mixing different historical styles into a kitschy mélange of architectural parody that suited the purpose for which they served; a fantastical wonderland that could belong to anyone for the price of admission. But no theaters were more elaborate than those owned by Balaban and Katz, who hired masters of “atmospheric” theater architecture, like brothers C.W and George Rapp and J.E.O. Pridmore.

By the late 20’s, when the Talkies supplanted the Silents, Hollywood studios were churning out a film a week. Radio was still in its infancy, so the movie industry had a captive and receptive audience. Many of the larger theaters even had a primitive form of air conditioning and thus offered the only cool place to escape on a hot summer night. Although the film industry was blamed for the eventual demise of Vaudeville, larger theaters sometimes offered films as well as vaudeville acts. The price of a ticket would often include both, plus a cartoon, a serialized “short”, a “B” picture, and a newsreel. Movie attendance peaked throughout the 1930’s and early 40’s as a welcome respite from the despair of the Depression and the grim realities of World War II. However, with the end of the war, a new invention would spell doom for the fabled movie palace.

CURTAINS! THE LOSS OF CHICAGO’S NEIGHBORHOOD MOVIE HOUSE

Looking south at Devon and Western, 1930s


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TELEVISION ENTERS THE PICTURE

The demise of the movie palace had more to do with a changing American lifestyle and the invention of television than any other factor. Post war prosperity brought a desire for suburban style living, and thus, an exodus from the inner city. As television sets became more affordable, people stayed home in air conditioned comfort to watch it. Valiant efforts by the film industry to entice patrons back to the movies resulted in more Technicolor epics and the introduction of new technology like Panavision, Cinemascope, and stereo surround sound. But, in spite of this, movie attendance kept dropping.

AND THE WALLS CAME TUMBLIN’ DOWN

The late 1950’s and early 1960’s saw a rash of movie palace demolitions throughout the city. By the late 60’s and early 1970’s, those that remained faced an even more

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 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 relative sensetivity and reflect the original Art Moderne style, the loss of this stunning space is tragic.

A proposal to demolish the entire building and replace it with a high-rise hotel and retail complex has been presented. At this writing, Alderman Reilly (42nd) opposes the high-rise component, but the shopping mall could be built under the current zoning. The building was denied landmark status in the 1980’s and

Esquire Theater, 1938

Granada Theatre interior, 1925-1991, 6427-41 North Sheridan Road


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may not qualify as a nominee under current Landmark ordinances, leaving demolition as a likely option.

ATTEMPTING TO SAVE THE RAMOVA

Another theater that faces an uncertain future is the 1200 seat Ramova Theater, located in the Bridgeport neighborhood at 3518 S. Halsted Street. Built in 1929 and designed by architect Meyer O. Nathan, it was considered to be the “sister” theater to the smaller Music Box located at 3733 N. Southport on the North side. Classified as a Spanish Renaissance Atmospheric theater, it featured an interior that evoked a Spanish courtyard looking out to a pastoral countryside. Its celestial blue ceiling sported twinkling stars and clouds that moved across the sky. Its claim to fame was that it premiered, along with the Music Box, the 1940 Charlie Chaplin film, “The Great Dictator,” which was kept out of the downtown theaters for fear of arousing controversy.

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)

WILL IT TAKE A VILLAGE?

The future of the Village Theater also remains in doubt. Originally built in 1916 as the Germania, its name was changed numerous times before finally becoming the Village in 1967. Located at 1548 N. Clark Street on the Near North, the name reflects its proximity to Sandburg Village. Converted from a single screen 900 seat theater to a 4-plex in the early 1990’s, the majority of its interior detail was destroyed in the conversion, although some plaster detailing remains. Closed since March of 2007, the Village’s prominent location at the corner of North Avenue and Clark Street puts it at great risk. Redevelopment potential has sparked the interest of the CVS Pharmacy chain. Situated one block from a Walgreen’s at North and Wells, the theater site presents an attractive corner for CVS to compete with its archrival for control of the local pharmacy trade. Although a deal to demolish the Village had been worked out under former Alderman Burton Natarus, Alderman Brendan Reilly is proving to be more sympathetic to saving Chicago’s architectural history than his predecessor.

Village Theater, 1916Ramova Theater, 1929


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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.

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.

Until these issues can be addressed, the theater will remain closed. WHAT’S UP WITH THE UPTOWN?

Perhaps the longest and most frustrating battle has been that of the Uptown Theater, located at 4816 N. Broadway. The largest and grandest work of architects Rapp and Rapp, the Uptown was crafted in a Spanish Baroque style. Its massive auditorium seats 4320 and, when it was built, was the largest theater in terms of sheer volume in the world.

However, during the 1950’s and ‘60’s, funds had been raised for maintenance by auctioning off art and other original interior details, but there never seemed to be enough money. By the 1970’s, deferred maintenance and increasing utility costs had taken their toll on the structure. The Uptown closed for good in 1981. At that time, its less than attentive owner allowed the building to fall further into disrepair.

Major damage occurred when the Uptown failed to be heated for winter. A series of poor management decisions ensued in the 1990’s and continued until recently. However, a group of local volunteers, Friends of the Uptown Theater, has faithfully cared for the building for over two decades and also worked to obtain both city and federal landmark designation. The most current and seemingly most viable proposal is to turn the theater into a concert venue, but technical and financial issues abound. Currently, the building is owned by Broadway in Chicago, but Jam Productions also has a financial stake in the property.

Until the ownership issues are settled, the project to restore and reopen the theater remains in limbo. The city’s Landmarks Commission has invested over a million dollars in public funds to stabilize the terra cotta façade and continues to monitor the building until a restoration agreement can be reached.

Patio Theater, 1927

A staircase in the Uptown Theatre Lobby, 1925


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SOME HAPPY ENDINGS

Whether through demolition or neglect, the loss of these neighborhood movie houses was, perhaps, inevitable. However, numerous ones throughout the city still remain economically viable. Theaters like the Davis in Lincoln Square, the Portage in Portage Park, and the Music Box in Lakeview continue to infuse their surrounding streets with life and help maintain these pedestrian friendly streets as social and economic destinations.

But communities must continue to remain vigilant against knee-jerk demolition proposals. Grass roots organizations like the Friends of the Uptown and Save the Ramova play an important role in determining if these theaters remain for the next generation to enjoy. In turn, city planners and elected officials must acknowledge their community significance and future economic viability and act aggressively to preserve them.

Only by working together can we ensure that we do not lose another of our historic movie theaters.

– Jonathan Fine

JOSEPH DUCIBELLA, 1945-2007PATRON SAINTOF CHICAGO’S THEATER PALACES

In Memoriam

ALYS LAVICKA, 1948-2007A GROWING LEGACY

Music Box Theatre, 1929


The grand movie palaces of yesterday often made even an Ordinary Joe feel like a celebrity, simply by passing through their doors. One such “ordinary Joe” was Joseph DuciBella, who went on to ex-traordinary accomplishments, becoming a world-renowned marquee name as an avid historian and preservationist of Chicago’s theaters.

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-tionally recognized Theatre Historical Society of America, and with the aid of David R. White, wrote and compiled the encyclopedic, soon-to-be-published “The Theatres of Chicago: The Complete Il-lustrated History.”

Heartbroken by the alarming number of theater palaces that have succumbed to the wrecking ball since the 1950’s, DuciBella lead the way in saving such iconic structures as the Chicago and Oriental Theatres, and more recently, the Congress and the hard-fought-for Uptown. The first two have been restored to their original splendor; the last two are in the process of achieving the same.

On June 29th, 2007, Joseph DuciBella passed away. As a 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 theaters ever built…it will.

A tireless educational volunteer and preservation-ist, 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…whether it was in a garden, or in the spirit of young students.

– Laura Stigler-Marier

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LOST

UNCERTAIN

SAFE

Jacob Riis School1111 S. Throop 1914-1915, Arthur F. HussanderClassical RevivalLost: Demolished for parklandat Roosevelt Square.

Rosenwald Apartments 4618-4646 S. Michigan 1929, Ermest Grunsfeld Jr.ModerneUncertain: Redevelopment proposals continue to stall.

444 N. LaSalle Street 1930, Art DecoSaved: Now an official ChicagoLandmark and home to English, a new resturant/pub.

Arlington-Deming District 124 bldgs. between Fullerton, Clark, Deming, and Orchard in Lincoln ParkSaved: Chicago Landmark District as of September 27, 2007.

Vorwaets Turnhalle/Gut Heil 2341 W. Roosevelt Rd.1896, Queen AnneSaved: Currently being rehabbed.

Montrose and Broadway 1920s EraTerra Cotta Store FrontsLost: To make way for newWilson Yard Development.

Fine Arts Annex 421 S. Wabash Avenue 1924, Rebori, Wentworth, Dewey and McCormickUncertain: Roosevelt University may build a new dormtory on that parcel.

1418 N. LaSalle 1960s Remodel of a VictorianTownhouse; Former home of late sculpter Eldon Danhausen Lost: New ResidentialDevelopment.

Michael Reese Hospital 2929 S Ellis Ave1905-07, Schmidt, Garden & MartinUncertain: Threatened with development of possible Olympic Village.


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PC: What motivated you to move to Chicago – and specifically, Streeterville?PJ: I came to Chicago with a job at Jewel, organizing and managing their investor relations program. Because I had spent a significant time living in Manhattan just prior to this gig, management (specifically the real estate people) at Jewel, recommended that I come downtown, recognizing that I would have a tough time adjusting to the suburbs (near where the corporate headquarters was located). Prior to moving here, I had been in Chicago on business frequently and had loved the fact that Streeterville, while very much in the city’s center, actually has grass and flowers in the area. There’s even a park two blocks from my home.

PC: What inspired you to advocate for the Lake Shore Athletic Club’s preservation?PJ: I had used the club facilities – swimming and training. and believed it was such a beautiful building, that it should be saved, if at all feasible. It was after I started the effort to landmark it that I learned of its important history.

PC: What have you learned from this experience?PJ: That most people are really wonderful.

PC: What surprised you the most?PJ: On the other hand, I was amazed at the apathy some residents have regarding their neighborhood. Some almost seem to suffer from a sense of impermanence regarding their environment..

PC: What’s the most valuable lesson you learned from this campaign that will help you in future advocacy efforts?

PJ: I learned two lessons: 1) be persistent and 2) to listen carefully to everyone – you never know where a great idea will come from.

PC: If you could express to the City, the Mayor or Alderman Reilly one thing regarding preservation, what would that be?PJ: The Mayor and our new alderman [Brendan Reilly, 42nd Ward] both are to be commended for their passion in not only maintaining this great city, but also in continually striving to make it better. Reilly’s campaign positions have been evidenced every day in his actions, now that he is in office. Early on, he has gained the respect of everyone in his ward for his apparent concern and interest in his constituents.

PC: What advice would you give to others who want to take action in their neighborhoods?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 before you find a prince.” You will find people who agree with your passions. If the questions relates specifically to preservation/landmarking, etc. – work closely with

Preservation Chicago and Landmarks Illinois.

*To read more about the campaign to save the Lake Shore Athletic Club, please visit http://www.preservationchicago.org/risk/lakeshorehtml

PROFILES IN PRESERVATIONPam Jameson, Lake Shore Athletic Club Champion

Pam Jameson (right) talking to a reporter at the Lake Shore Athletic Club rally.

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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 of worship. Their prayers were answered: trailblazing modernist architect Paul Schweikher designed a church that was not only affordable, but is considered to be one of his finest works. Its very simplicity became a pioneering symbol of modern architecture – and the unorthodox, can-do spirit of the church itself.

The church’s easy construction allowed for members to pitch in and help build it, deepening their sense of pride and spiritual attachment to the structure. Outside, it is of common brick, which has taken on a spare aestheticism of its own. Inside, the simplicity is carried through with brick and wood panel walls. Schweikher’s trademark innovative window designs are also manifested in four “brick grill” windows at the building’s front corners. And a wooden balcony at the rear of the auditorium pays homage to Schweikher’s fascination with Japanese architecture.

When construction was finished, the church was able to accommodate 200 members. But a growing congregation necessitated expansion. In 1956, an addition was built, designed by former Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice, architect William Fyfe, who assisted Schweikher on the original design.

Enter the sanctuary, and you will see 19 ceramic portrait murals of “Saints” – wise people admired by the members – Thomas Jefferson, Jane Addams, Harriet Tubman and others, their presence enhancing the uniqueness of the space. In 1964, the Third Unitarian Church was listed as one of the 37 most significant buildings by the Chicago Landmarks Commission. With landmark status on the horizon, it’s heartening to know it will be more than significant. It will be safe.

– Laura Stigler-Marier and Stacey Pfingsten

THIRD UNITARIAN CHURCH BLESSED WITHPRELIMINARY LANDMARK STATUS

Third Unitarian Church, 1936, 301 N. Mayfield Avenue

PRESERVATION CHICAGO1016 N. Oakley BoulevardChicago, IL 60622

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CHICAGO, IL

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