This is the press release from Ald. Reilly
www.ReillyforChicago.com
I would suggest e-mailing him to give your support for this bold action, if you feel strongly about this issue:
[email protected]
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Alderman Reilly Opposed to Demolition of Lake Shore Athletic Club
Believes Club is Historically Significant; Advocates for Preservation and Re-Use of Building
Chicago - Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) today announced his opposition to a proposal by Northwestern University and Fifield Development to demolish the historic Lake Shore Athletic Club and replace it with a new high-end luxury condominium complex at 850 North Lake Shore Drive. Reilly announced his opposition to the project after hosting numerous meetings with local residents, experienced architects, zoning attorneys, developers, preservationists and urban planning consultants to discuss the Fifield proposal and other options for re- use of the property.
"Over the past seven weeks, I have worked hard to uphold my commitment to proactively solicit input on important development decisions," Reilly said. "I have heard from hundreds of local residents; hosted numerous meetings with community groups; and met with a broad spectrum of preservationists, architects, zoning experts and developers - to carefully consider and fully understand all perspectives and arguments for and against the demolition of the Lake Shore Athletic Club.
After spending countless hours reviewing the facts and speaking with experts on both sides of this issue, I have determined that every effort should be made to preserve and re-use the historic Lake Shore Athletic Club located at 850 North Lake Shore Drive."
On April 16th, Northwestern requested a demolition permit to raze the Lake Shore Athletic Club. This request automatically triggered a 90-day "demolition delay" because the building is rated "orange" on the Chicago Historical Resources Survey - a classification given to "historically significant buildings" that may qualify for landmark status. Because the request was filed five weeks prior to Reilly taking office, he inherited a looming demolition deadline of July 16th. On Monday, Reilly secured a binding legal agreement between the city of Chicago and Northwestern to extend the deadline on the demolition delay by 60 days - to September 16th.
"Given the magnitude of this important development decision, I did not think that seven weeks was a reasonable timeframe to allow for ample community input, a full review of the developer's proposal and to explore all other possible options for the property," Reilly said. "On Monday, I secured a binding legal agreement to extend the deadline to September 16th - to ensure that the developer did not move forward with plans to demolish the building next week."
Throughout the public process, Northwestern University and Fifield Development have argued that there is absolutely no economically viable re-use option for the Lake Shore Athletic Club. After meeting with many experienced architects, zoning lawyers, developers and consultants - examining a host of potential options, Reilly determined the property can and should be saved.
"Throughout this process, Northwestern and Fifield have argued there is absolutely no economically viable re-use option that could save the Lake Shore Athletic Club from demolition," Reilly explained. "Frankly, I am not persuaded by that argument. After meeting with many experienced architects, zoning attorneys, developers and urban planning consultants, I believe economically viable re- use options do, in fact, exist (or can be developed) for this property and that every effort should be made to preserve and re-use the historic Lake Shore Athletic Club."
"The Lake Shore Athletic Club is a historically significant building designed by famous architect: Jarvis Hunt.
Home to some 1928 Olympic Trials, the Lake Shore Athletic Club has graced our lakefront skyline for more than 80 years and has served as an important architectural counterpoint to the neighboring Mies Van der Rohe buildings in the Streeterville neighborhood. 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," said Reilly.
Alderman Reilly recognized Northwestern University and Fifield Development for their participation in the public process and their willingness to share information about their proposal with local residents and stakeholders. "I want to thank Northwestern University and Fifield Development for their willingness to work with my office to meet with local residents, neighborhood organizations and other stakeholders to share information about their proposal and to listen to community concerns," Reilly said. "We simply do not agree on what is the most responsible use for this property and what is in the best interest of the community as a whole on this particular project."
"As I continue to review development proposals for the 42nd Ward, I will do so in an open, objective and transparent manner. Each project that I review will receive careful consideration and I will work hard to carefully weigh each decision by balancing the needs of the business community with the needs of local residents and the best interests of the city of Chicago," said Reilly.
Alderman Reilly represents the 42nd Ward which includes all, or portions, of the Loop, West Loop, Fulton River District, Gold Coast, Near North, River North, Streeterville and New Eastside neighborhoods of downtown Chicago.
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