PULLMAN COMMUNITY MEMBERS WANT DEVELOPERS TO BE CAREFUL WITH NEW CONSTRUCTION

Photo: Katherine Newman Several community members attended a recent meeting to protest the construction of the Pullman Artspace Lofts.
Photo: Katherine Newman Several community members attended a recent meeting to protest the construction of the Pullman Artspace Lofts.

Pullman Community Members Want Developers to be Careful With New Construction

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

A recent meeting was held by the City of Chicago’s Department of Fleet and Facilities Management(2FM) at The Pullman National Monument Visitors Center. The meeting was called to formally present 2FM’s findings that a proposed construction project would have no adverse effects on the historic community. Several community members attended the meeting to protest 2FM’s findings.

The construction project that was reviewed at the meeting was the Pullman Artspace Lofts which, if approved, will be built on the east side of Langley Avenue, just south of 111th St. The project includes the restoration of two existing buildings on either side of the property and the construction of a completely new building in between the two that would be reminiscent of the housing structure that once stood there.

“The vacant parcel to be built on will be similar in height, mass, design, material, and details with the architectural character of the historic district,” said Kevin Laberge, from 2FM. “Indirect construction impact such as increased noise and minimal intrusion would be temporary and will not permanently alter these historic properties.

The changes would not affect the characteristics that qualify these resources for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.”

Several community members expressed concern with the lack of African American input on the project and pointed out that Pullman is a historically black community and accused Laberge of excluding black people from the conversations, which Laberge said was not true.

“What African American organization do you have involved as a consulting party?” asked Bernadette Tucker who’s grandfather was a Pullman porter. Laberge responded by saying “I do not know.”

The Pullman National Monument Preservation Society (PNMPS) has been working to make sure the community is informed of the truth about the Section 106 Review process, which Pullman Artspace is currently undergoing, for national historic monuments.

In the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), Congress established a comprehensive program to preserve the historical and cultural foundations of the nation. Section 106 requires federal agencies to consider the effects of projects they carry out, approve, or fund on historic properties, according to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

“2FM should know that this is a process and this undertaking will have a number of adverse effects. We have made a formal objection and we want to engage in consultation,” said Mark Cassello, president of PNMPS.

The PNMPS is calling for a 60-day extension to do outreach in the African American community, a building on the site that reflects the size and spatial arrangement of the original building, and excavation of the vacant land before construction begins in an effort to save any historical artifacts that might land where the old building used to stand.

Written comments regarding the project can be emailed to 2fm_NEPA@cityofchicago.org or mailed to Kevin M. Laberge; Chicago Department of Fleet and Facility Management; 30 N. Lasalle St. Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60602.

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