Property Tax Incentive Approved for Renovation of Polish National Alliance Building

November 19, 2014

312.744.9267

The $4.3 million renovation of the historic Polish National Alliance Building at 1514-20 W. Division St. in West Town will move forward through a property tax incentive approved today by City Council.

The Class L incentive, valued at $1.3 million over the next 12 years, will support the building’s interior and exterior rehabilitation by the architecture and design firm Studio Gang, which intends to relocate its headquarters into the structure next year.

The work will include new windows; the repair of decorative metal panels, masonry and accent lighting; a new rooftop addition and vegetative green roof; a new elevator; and rehabilitation of the common areas.

The two-story building served from 1938 to 1976 as the headquarters of the Polish National Alliance (PNA), the country’s largest Polish-American fraternal organization.

Designed by Polish-American architect Joseph A. Slupkowski, the building’s rectilinear form, symmetrical massing, deeply-inset vertical window openings, and “Modern Classical” ornament are all hallmarks of 1930s Art Deco-style architecture. It was designated a Chicago Landmark by City Council on Nov. 5, 2014.

The Class L incentive lowers the tax rate on designated landmarks undergoing significant rehabilitation.

 

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