The story of South Park Terrace Apartments serves as a stark reminder of the mixed legacy of affordable housing in Chicago.
Built in 1905 at 6116 S. King Dr., this two-story, 52-unit complex uniquely embodies the Prairie School style with its elegant blonde brick facade, arched entrances, and glazed white terra cotta trim.
The architecture is captivating, featuring a central entry arch that leads into the building’s standout feature: a spacious courtyard garden surrounded by the apartments.
This historic building has even made its mark in popular culture, as Halle Berry’s character, Khaila Richards, resided here in the 1995 film “Losing Isaiah.”
Despite its stunning appearance, the realities for many residents have been disheartening, with appalling living conditions revealing a disconnect between the building’s beauty and the neglect of its owners.
South Park Terrace recently faced a crisis when part of the building caught fire over three months ago, leading to visible burn marks and boarded-up windows on the second floor.
In an alarming turn of events, the city ordered residents of the middle tier to vacate the premises with only two days’ notice on June 11, citing deteriorating conditions.
The situation worsened, prompting additional evacuations shortly after.
The city’s Department of Buildings highlighted the severe neglect by the owners, 6116 MLK LLC from Brooklyn, New York, stating that they had abandoned the property, allowing it to fall into foreclosure and jeopardizing the safety of the community.
This neglect is not just an unfortunate event but a scandal, particularly in a landmark-quality building that could have provided affordable housing to a city grappling with such scarcity.
Designed by Harry Hale Waterman, an associate of Frank Lloyd Wright, South Park Terrace bears resemblance to Wright’s Francisco Terrace Apartments, which were completed a decade earlier.
Both buildings were intended to offer appealing rental options for the working class, featuring ample open space and sunlight.
Questions arise surrounding the relationship between Waterman and Wright, as noted by historian Tim Samuelson, who acknowledged their professional acquaintance in Chicago’s architectural circles.
Whether this led to design similarities remains uncertain.
Furthermore, South Park Terrace isn’t alone; it has a twin in Washington Park Terrace, which was built in 1909 by architect Douglas S. Pentecost.
Investor Thomas E. Wells constructed both South Park Terrace and Washington Park Terrace, marking a significant approach to apartment development at the time.
In contrast to typical developers who sought to maximize rental income from every inch of a property, these buildings emphasized tenant experience, offering central landscaped courtyards for fresh air and light.
However, South Park Terrace has fallen victim to neglect, and reports from city building inspectors in 2023 revealed numerous issues including water leaks, rotting materials, and structural cracks.
Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th) expressed concern over the heartbreaking conditions faced by residents, emphasizing safety as a priority.
The abrupt two-day notice to vacate has stirred outrage within the community, with Cecilia Butler, president of the Washington Park Residents’ Advocacy Council, decrying the treatment of the building’s residents.
Currently, a court-appointed receiver is tasked with managing the property, raising hopes for rehabilitation and a return to occupancy.
South Park Terrace represents quality housing that caters to everyday workers, located conveniently along a major CTA bus route and just two blocks from the King Drive stop on the Green Line.
There are possibilities for a new owner to seek landmark status for the building, which could unlock tax benefits to facilitate necessary renovations.
With a growing need for accessible housing options in Chicago, the time is ripe for decisive action regarding South Park Terrace.
This building could stand as a symbol of responsible development and community resilience—rehabbed, reoccupied, and preserved as an affordable living space without succumbing to gentrification.
The future of South Park Terrace is crucial to maintain and promote the vision of attractive housing that serves the diverse needs of Chicago’s residents.
image source from：chicago
