Last month, we let you know that the Department of Housing and Urban Development required a do-over federal review of the proposed Pullman Artspace Lofts (“Project”). If this new review is conducted properly, it should “minimize harm” the Project could cause to the Pullman National Historic Landmark District. This federal “Section 106” review should last several months and should provide multiple opportunities for genuine public participation. We have created a website and a video to explain more about how this review works. Visit http://Pullman106.com.
On Dec. 11, 2017, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (“Council”) in Washington, D.C.—the independent federal agency established to ensure compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act—notified the City of Chicago that because this review has “the potential for presenting procedural problems,” the Council “will participate in consultation to consider the effect of the referenced undertaking [Pullman Artspace Lofts] on historic properties.” The Council’s involvement should ensure the integrity of the process, and consequently, help see that harm to Pullman’s nationally significant historic, architectural, and cultural resources is minimized.
On a related note, The Pullman National Monument Preservation Society is also serving as a “consulting party” to another important Section 106 review. On Dec. 1, 2017, we attended the kick-off meeting for the Section 106 review of the proposed Barack Obama Presidential Center (“OPC”) to be constructed in Jackson Park. Many may not know that Solon S. Beman, the architect of the Town of Pullman, also designed buildings for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The archaeological remains of Beman’s “Mines and Mining Building” and “Merchant Tailors Building” are within the “Area of Potential Effect” of the OPC, and we want to ensure that these historic resources are given appropriate consideration. In addition, because of President Obama’s deep ties to Pullman, the long-term success or failure of the OPC could have far-reaching implications for the Pullman National Monument, a key component of President Obama’s legacy.
