Commission on Chicago Landmarks + Permit Review Committee

Commission on Chicago Landmarks
Development

Chicago, IL 60602 (Directions)

This is a remote assignment to document the Chicago Commission on Landmarks and the subsequent Permit Review Committee meeting, if held. The meeting will be live-streamed via Vimeo at https://livestream.com/accounts/28669066/events/9117952.

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Reporting

Edited and summarized by the Chicago - IL Documenters Team

Live reporting by Megann Horstead

Monumental Baptist Church, Paseo Boricua Flags, Demolition permit denied

Megann Horstead

Good afternoon! This is Megann Horstead. I am live-tweeting the Commission on Chicago Landmarks meeting for @CHIdocumenters. It will be hosted virtually in accordance with the emergency rules extended by the governor. Please stay tuned for all the highlights. #CHIDocumenters

02:28 PM May 5, 2022 CDT

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 2/19

At 12:45 p.m., the meeting is called to order by Chairman Ernest Wong. A quorum has been achieved.

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 3/19

Next up is public comment. Members of the public are given up to three meetings to speak during the meeting.

One speaker chimes in, saying they are in support of landmarks.

Another speaker expresses support for the Paseo Boricua Gateway Flags.

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 4/19

A third speaker expresses support for the final landmark recommendation regarding the Monumental Baptist Church building.

A fourth speaker expresses support for the Paseo Boricua Gateway Flags.

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 5/19

Max Chavez, director of research and special projects at Preservation Chicago, stressed the importance of the commission landmark designating the Monumental Baptist Church building, especially in the wake of the fires and demolition of the Antioch Church.

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 6/19

For context, here’s a look at what happened to the Antioch Chuch. https://abc7chicago.com/antioch-baptist-church-chicago-demolition-fire-department/11773328/

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 7/19

Public comment is now closed. The minutes from an April 7, 2022, meeting are subsequently approved.

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 8/19

A pair of presentations are delivered offering information about commissions recommendation for the Paseo Boricua Gateway Flags.

The flags have long been a familiar feature along certain roofline and building elevations in the city’s 26th Ward.

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 9/19

Jose Lopez, executive director of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, said he thinks the landmark designations will help the city to set a trend.

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 10/19

A motion is made to approve the recommendation. It’s passed by the commission unanimously.

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 11/19

Next up is a presentation on the Monumental Baptist Church Building, located at 729 E. Oakwood Blvd. https://t.co/IIYdiy9ha9

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 12/19

Shirley Newsome, a member of the Monumental Baptist Church, gave thanks to Chavez for his remarks about the Antioch Church. She would like her church to continue its mission of serving as an anchor for the community in times of need.

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 13/19

A motion is made to consider approving the landmark designation. The motion carries.

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 14/19

Next up the commission is reviewing a permit application for the demolition of a building at 2229 W. Augusta. The building owner, Joe Kotoch, would like to proceed despite staff concern about the adverse effect on the district’s historical and architectural features.

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 15/19

A motion is made to issue a preliminary decision disapproving of the demolition application. Kotoch was provided information outlining what next steps to take with the property he had purchased. https://t.co/G8NalrUGq9

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 16/19

At 2:14 p.m., the Commission on Chicago Landmarks meeting adjourns. The Permit Review Committee meeting will begin at 2:25 p.m. Stay tuned! #CHIDocumenters🧐

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 17/19

At 2:25 p.m., the Permit Review meeting is called to order.

Public comment is sought but no one speaks or asks questions.

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 18/19

The Permit Review Committee is now reviewing a proposed new rooftop addition with a roof deck at 624 W. Fullerton in the city’s 43rd Ward.

Nick Ftikas, attorney for the applicant, asks for favorable consideration.

No further business for the committee to review.

Megann Horstead @MegannHorstead 19/19

With that, the Permit Review Committee meeting has adjourned as of 2:44 p.m. This concludes all the live coverage, brought to you by @CHIdocumenters. Check out http://documenters.org for notes from the meeting prepared by Jazmine Valadez. #CHIDocumenters

Attachments

1 attachment

Agency Information

Commission on Chicago Landmarks

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks is responsible for recommending buildings, structures, sites and districts for legal protection as official Chicago landmarks. Staffed by the Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), the commission is also responsible for reviewing proposed alterations to existing landmarks and districts, as well as proposed demolitions of structures considered to be historically or architecturally significant.

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