Pullman Recognized As A Great Place

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Left to right: Paul Farmer, executive director of the American Planning Association; Norbert J. (Pete) Pointner, Historic Pullman Foundation; Mike Shymanski, president of the Historic Pullman Foundation; 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale; Sunny Fischer, Illinois History Preservation Agency; Benet Haller, Director of Urban Design and Planning for the City of Chicago's Department of Zoning and Land Use Planning
Left to right: Paul Farmer, executive director of the American Planning Association; Norbert J. (Pete) Pointner, Historic Pullman Foundation; Mike Shymanski, president of the Historic Pullman Foundation; 9th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale; Sunny Fischer, Illinois History Preservation Agency; Benet Haller, Director of Urban Design and Planning for the City of Chicago's Department of Zoning and Land Use Planning

Pullman residents gathered in Arcade Park at 112th Avenue and St. Lawrence St. last Tuesday as Ald. Anthony Beale (9th ward) and Paul Farmer the executive director and CEO for the American Planning Association (APA) announced their neighborhood as one of Americas greatest places. Pullman, a town rich in history, was officially bestowed the honor by the APA, coming in at number four on the coveted great places list after Birmingham, Berkley and Atlanta.

According to its website, APA's Great Places in America program celebrates places of exemplary character, quality, and planning. Places are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow. APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live. They are enjoyable, safe, and desirable. They are places where people want to be not only to visit, but to live and work every day.

Id like to congratulate everybody for staying steadfast within the community. You all see we are moving forward. And it comes from all the hard work that you all put in every single day, said Ald. Beale during the announcement. I couldnt be more proud to be the Alderman here in the 9th ward. he added.

Pullman was established in the 1880s by George M. Pullman, president of Pullman Palace Car Company and was once considered a dream town by employees there. Noted for being one of the countrys first planned industrial communities, Pullmans 19th century design and architecture sets it apart from its neighboring areas.

The APA was established five years ago to celebrate distinctive places in America for their unique qualities. According to Farmer, the organization wants to educate people about Americas great places and it wants to also spark discussions about them. To date 140 sites have received designation.

By: Abbra Stiffend

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