Controversy Surrounds Plans for Historic Public Housing in Chicago

Writing in the Chicago Tribune, Lolly Bowean chronicles the uncertain future of Lathrop Homes, a low-rise public housing complex that was built in the 1930s by "first-rate architects such as Robert S. DeGolyer and Hugh M.G. Garden", and is now surrounded by expensive homes and upscale shopping outlets.

In the article, Jonathan Fine, executive director of Preservation Chicago, addresses the odd position of the CHA: "What's interesting and ironic is Lathrop Homes, in its current form, is already what CHA's plan for transformation set as its goal in 1999," he said. "They wanted to get rid of the high-rise housing complexes with elevators surrounded by asphalt parking lots. They wanted more green space and a more friendly environment. Lathrop already embodies all of that. It's really beautiful. If it's not broke, don't fix it."