Steven Yaccino reports on the ongoing controversy over the proposed demolition of Prentice Women's Hospital, designed by famed Chicago architect Bertrand Goldberg, as officials continue to skirt the issue.
The former Prentice Women's Hospital in Chicago has joined the ranks of America's endangered architectural landmarks, as preservationists play the waiting game with city officials unwilling to stake out a position on its possible demolition.
Designed by the late architect Bertrand Goldberg in 1975, the Prentice is known and admired for its clover-leaf shape, a highly innovative approach to hospital design at the time. But others, writes Yaccino, see the building as nothing more than a vacant eyesore that should be razed for new development. The building has been sitting vacant for a year on land that is now owned by Northwestern University, who have plans to build a new medical research facility in its place after a study revealed that adaptive reuse for the intended purposes would not be feasible.
Preservationists and local advocates are fighting back and urging officials to consider alternative uses for the iconic building. "We feel like the building is infinitely reusable because of the way it's designed," said Christina Morris, from the Chicago office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
In a letter to Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, over 60 leading architects addressed their opposition to the proposed demolition and what it would mean for the future of the city: "Chicago's global reputation as a nurturer of bold and innovative architecture will wither if the city cannot preserve its most important achievements." As of now, Emmanuel has yet to state his opinion on the case, and the city of Chicago seems to be holding its breath as it awaits the fate of one of its signature buildings.
FULL STORY: Landmark for Many Is Opportunity for University
Chicago Towers Recommended for Adaptive Reuse
Once slated for demolition, two historic buildings owned by the federal government will be restored for new uses.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
New Threat to Urban Infrastructure: Underground Climate Change
Subsurface heat islands in dense urban areas can cause buildings and infrastructure to shift, tilt, and crack, a new study finds.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie