James E. Mann <fax312-939-5651>, Date: Wednesday, Dec 10, 1997
Dear Chancellor Broski:
The National Trust for Historic Preservation joins with the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois in urging the University of Illinois at Chicago to work towards the preservation and adaptive reuse of the historic buildings within the Maxwell Street neighborhood as part of UIC's South Campus development plan. [Attached is their letter of November 17, 1997.] These buildings, LPCI estimates, are concentrated on less than ten percent of the redevelopment area. According to media reports, the South Campus plan is just now being worked out by the University and its consultants; in light of this, we ask that you and your planners use this window to consider how the Maxwell Street buildings can contribute to the character and success of your campus plan.
The historic buildings along Maxwell Street, Halsted Street and
Roosevelt Road offer an opportunity to illuminate the history
of Maxwell Street as an important "port-of-entry" for
many cultures coming to Chicago. A sensitive rehabilitation of
these historic buildings and creative integration into the University's
overall development plan would recognize this cultural heritage
and enhance the University community's vitality by celebrating
the diversity symbolized by Maxwell Street's history. The importance
of the context and fabric of Maxwell Street to Chicago's cultural
heritage compels the National Trust to take this position.
Thank you for your consideration of the views of the National Trust on this matter. Should there be any questions or interest in discussing our views, we would be pleased to meet with UIC staff and consultants at their convenience.
Sincerely,
James E. Mann, National Trust for Historic Preservation
Midwest Regional Office, 53 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 1135, Chicago, IL 60604
National Office, 1785 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
web page provided by OPENAIR-MARKET NET
return to Preserve Maxwell Street