^I really don't want the Hunter Building demolished. I really would like this one to go taller on the larger open lot, but as they would come up against a PD threshold at 390', not too likely. It's obvious they want to go as-of-right to avoid the extra time and expense of the PD route. As mentioned above, it's Beitler so neither one may get built.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Via Chicago
because this city is a joke sometimes, and historic preservation is merely lip service. a beautifully built, human scaled,100+ year old home dosent stand a chance against a big shiny souless blue box. cause, ya know....progress 
if the citizens of the city dont care about these kinds of losses than i suppose we get what we deserve. the side streets in this neighborhood are already the worst sort of outdoor shopping mall imaginable so go ahead, finish off the job. |
It's a little silly to put the blame of the pending State/Huron demolitions on the citizens or the Landmarks Commission. Yes, historic preservation in this town is far weaker than it should be, especially after watching the charade involving Prentice Hospital; but really what do you expect in River North?
These buildings have no formal protection and with some of the highest base zoning in the city already in place, its only a matter of time. I do believe the time for a conversation about landmarking what remains in River North is past due; but with land values what they are, Landmarks would need solid ground to defend any overlay district covering land owners who would challenge it in court, although having an orange rating when the building was purchased would work against such a challenge. These buildings, while now rare in River North probably don't fit the criteria for landmarking, unless the property owner was on board with doing so and initiated it. They are however orange rated, but that doesn't spare them the wrecking ball, just a delay with a review. A review that would need a very compelling argument to deny the issuance of the permit.
I know Friedman blocked additional landmarking of River North years ago because of his large inventory of buildings, but perhaps there would be a push from area residents to start up the conversion again. Certinly could work to favor all parties involved as there would be additional opportunities for adapt-a-landmark bonuses for developers if official city landmarks did get designated, protected light/view corridors above protected buildings for area residnets and tax breaks for owners of historic properties.
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