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The ongoing threat
of suburban teardowns has struck one of this community’s most
architecturally significant streets, featuring historic residences by
architects Barry Byrne and R. Harold Zook. The city recently granted a
demolition permit for the center building in a unique crescent-shaped
collection of five houses designed by Byrne in 1923, in collaboration
with sculptor Alfonso Iannelli. The owner plans to replace the building
with a new residence, citing rehabilitation costs. Park Ridge has no
local landmarks ordinance, which means it cannot prevent the demolition
of any historic structures.
Update
535 Cedar Court
was demolished on March 5, 2007, less than a week after its placement on
the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places list. The issue of residential
teardowns, particularly leading up to the April 2007 local election, has
rekindled discussions about establishing a local preservation ordinance
among community leaders and local residents.
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