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YWCA
830 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
John Van Osdel II, architect, 1894
Significance: Built in 1894, the YWCA Building is one of the oldest
buildings in the Historic Michigan Boulevard District, a City of Chicago
Landmark. It was designed as safe and affordable housing to young women
following the 1893 World’s Fair. Located near the Illinois Central railroad
station and within a reasonable distance to the heart of the Loop, it was
the first YWCA built in Chicago. The building was designed to take advantage
of views along Michigan Avenue and the lake, with projecting triangular bay
windows on the top floors and a Renaissance inspired loggia on the second
floor. |
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Current Condition and/or Status: While redevelopment proposals have
been discussed for the site, there is no current plan for the building
itself which has been vacant for nearly 30 years. The building was last used
as a hotel in the 1970s, until it was purchased by the Johnson Publishing
Company. The building was recently acquired by Renaissant Development Group,
LLC. The building is believed to be in poor structural condition and will
require substantial rehabilitation.
Potential Threat: Without a redevelopment plan, the building will
continue to deteriorate. The City of Chicago is currently in building court
with the owner regarding code and safety violations.
What You Can Do: Contact 2nd Ward Alderman Robert Fioretti regarding
the importance of this building.
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Alderman Robert Fioretti, Office of the 2nd Ward, 429 South Dearborn St.,
Chicago, Illinois 60605 (312-263-9273) (312-786-1736 fax)
Other Contacts: A community organization, South Loop Neighbors,
supports the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the YWCA Building as part
of the Historic Michigan Boulevard District. Contact:
Photos: 1 Courtesy of Tim Samualson; 2
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency; 3,4 Landmarks Illinois |
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