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a church and a small pond on 10
acres with home sites for congregants surrounding it in a circular plan
designed by landscape architect Swain Nelson, who helped design Chicago’s
Lincoln Park. Since its development, the
neighborhood has been known as the “Park.”
Hugh Burnham, nephew of Daniel H. Burnham and the first mayor of Glenview,
built a Queen Anne home in the Park in 1894. N.D. Pendleton, the founding
pastor of the Swedenborgian Church built a home, later called the Original
Manse, which was passed down through subsequent pastors for 50 years. The
landscape architect, Swain Nelson, also built an Arts & Crafts, Shingle
Style house here.
Current Condition and/or Status: While the Burnham residence has been
altered, architectural historians believe the Park neighborhood is eligible
for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Glenview has a
local preservation ordinance, but city officials are unlikely to support
local landmark designation of the area without the church’s consent. One of
the original homes, at 59 Park Drive, was demolished in 2005 and replaced by
a new house.
Potential Threat: The Burnham, Nelson and Manse houses are owned by
the church and are among the potential properties it may demolish. The
church has stated it can not afford the taxes on these homes, all of which
are leased to tenants. Demolition would reduce the taxes paid. The church
would then sell the Burnham and Manse house sites to developers and use the
site of the Nelson house for a playing field for its school, the Midwest
Academy.
What You Can Do: Contact Glenview officials to urge support for
National Register or local landmark designation of the Park.
Church officials have stated a willingness to sell the Burnham House if
moved. To inquire, contact: Ken Cole, President, Park Dwellings
(847-729-3265).
To learn more…
Photos: 1 Burnham House, c. 1900, from
“Glenview the First Centennial” by Glenview Centennial Commission, 1999; 2
Burnham House, 2008, courtesy of David Silver; 3 Survey map, 1923, courtesy
of Village of Glenview; 4 Swain Nelson house, 2008, courtesy of David
Silver; 5 Manse House, Landmarks Illinois
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