The Chicago Commission on Landmarks recently began preliminary proceedings designate landmark status to a distinctive collection of Chicago ‘three-flat’ apartment buildings in the Newport Avenue District.
More than half of the residences in the proposed district were built during the period 1891-1895. The buildings exhibit fine detailing on cornices, porches, windows and doors, and are constructed with high quality materials such as brick and limestone.
‘Today, these buildings still display the fine detailing and high-quality materials that appealed to families a century ago. It is important that we preserve and protect this collection of classic Chicago residences,’ said Planning and Development Commissioner Alicia Berg.
Recently one of the 67 buildings was saved from demolition for redevelopment thanks to a 90-day temporary hold on the issuance of demolition permits for historically significant buildings. As a result of the hold, 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney and the Newport Avenue Neighbors (which includes many gay folks) were able to explore landmark designation as an alternative.