Landmarks Commission Honors City’s Best Preservation Projects

October 13, 2016

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The Commission on Chicago Landmarks honored 13 unique redevelopment projects with 2016 Preservation Excellence Awards today, including the adaptive reuse of the original "Chicago Defender" headquarters in Bronzeville, the rehabilitation of three buildings affiliated with noted "Chicago School" architectural firm Holabird & Roche, and the restoration of Homan Square's original "Sears Tower."

"The awards reflect outstanding commitments by private property owners to preserve and promote the City's architectural heritage and its enduring impact on the character of our neighborhoods," said David L. Reifman, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, which provides staff services to the Landmarks Commission.

The honorees were chosen by the Commission's Permit Review Committee, which considered nearly 50 projects involving individual landmarks and landmark district buildings that were completed over the last year.

The awards were presented to project representatives at the former Chicago Athletic Association building, which received an award for its rehabilitation as a boutique hotel. Held for the 17th year, the ceremony included property owners, architects, design professionals and historic preservation specialists and advocates.

Other honored projects included the adaptive resuse of a former African-American political organization headquarters and the new construction of a single-family residence, both in Grand Boulevard; rehabilitated commercial buildings on the Near West Side, Douglas and Logan Square; the rehabilitation of two row houses in Oakland; and the restoration of a private home in Kenwood.

Information on each of the award recipients is available below.

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