Residents of Lakeview are joining forces to challenge a developer’s plan for the demolition of a historic greystone located at 1300 W. Newport Ave.
The century-old greystone, a significant contributor to the character of the neighborhood, is slated for replacement with a modern two-flat, a move that local residents fear will alter the block’s architectural integrity forever.
The demolition permit was issued this month to PLD Homes following a private sale of the building. The previous owner, Bert Svedman, was a long-term resident who passed away at the age of 90 last December.
As news of the demolition broke, neighbors quickly mobilized to voice their concerns.
Bret Rietow, a resident, emphasized the significance of preserving the unique architectural style found on the north side of the block, which he notes remains untouched by modern developments.
“We’re trying to reach out and actually rescue the home, either by buying it ourselves or putting a hold on the demolition,” Rietow stated. “But the developer doesn’t care. They’re going to knock it down.”
Efforts to engage with PLD Homes have so far been met with silence, as the developer did not respond to requests for comment.
In a collective letter sent to PLD Homes on Tuesday, 16 households from the 1300 block urged the developer to reconsider their plans and retain the historic facade of the greystone.
The letter highlights the importance of architectural unity on the block and the historical character that has defined the area for over a century.
The residents acknowledged that while they support general redevelopment, they firmly oppose a complete teardown and any approach that might disrupt the harmony of the existing two-story profile that characterizes their street.
“Many buildings have been converted to single-family or two-flat configurations, and we fully support redevelopment,” the letter reads. “But we do not want to see the block’s architecture changed.”
Rietow added that many homes along their street have undergone significant renovations while managing to preserve their original facades.
This maintained aesthetic contributes to the charm of what many deem one of the last intact greystone blocks in the city.
The dire situation unfolding on Newport Avenue is a microcosm of a larger preservation crisis affecting numerous neighborhoods across Chicago, according to Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago.
Miller pointed out the lack of protective measures for historic buildings, stating, “We don’t have a lot of tools in our city to protect the historic built environment, which is really tragic for America’s city of architecture.”
He reflected on another section of Newport Avenue that was successfully landmarked in 2005 after facing a similar threat of demolition.
This landmark designation preserved the facades and rooflines of homes on that stretch, ensuring that the street’s historical character remained intact.
Miller argues that landmarking can stabilize neighborhoods and should not be feared.
Although the demand for housing in Chicago is undeniable, residents on Newport Avenue clarify that they do not oppose the introduction of new homes into their neighborhood.
Rather, they emphasize that there are solutions to meet housing demands without sacrificing the historical buildings that foster neighborhood identity.
“The most affordable home is the one that already exists,” Miller noted.
He further articulated that replacing a well-crafted building with new construction has the potential to increase property values and taxes, which could, in turn, disrupt the community fabric.
As the situation escalates, it appears time may be running out for the greystone at 1300 W. Newport.
With the demolition permit already granted and the property now secured, many residents expressed their fears as they anticipated the inevitable destruction.
Temra Gold, a neighbor who resides next door, has already experienced the implications of the impending demolition.
Sharing a front yard with the greystone, Gold recounted how she had ceased taking care of her yard in preparation for the disruption caused by the demolition and subsequent construction.
“They already shut off the gas, which meant they completely demolished part of the yard,” Gold lamented. “So I’ve let my yard go, which is horrible, but that’s another story.”
Rietow received word that demolition was set to commence as early as Thursday morning, perpetuating the collective anxiety among neighbors.
“At the end of the day, it’s not my property, so if someone wants to knock down what they own, they have that right,” Rietow confessed. “But it still feels like something significant in Chicago’s history is being lost.”
As demolition looms, the Lakeview residents continue to seek ways to protect their historical neighborhood, cognizant of the broader implications of unchecked development.
image source from：blockclubchicago
