The Event: Landmarks Illinois’ 11th anniversary at the Hilton Chicago on March 7 was a celebration of achievement.
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Attended by 735 civic-minded guests, the evening bestowed the 2016 Legendary Landmarks honors on Col. Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Ret.), the Neal Family and the corporation, W.E. O’Neil, for their transformational impact on the city.
Cause célebre: “All three of these incredible honorees have made a significant impact in saving our built environment so that we can create a more livable community for everyone,” said Bonnie McDonald, president of Landmarks Illinois.
Founded in 1971, the 2,500-member organization works alongside citizens, property owners and decision makers to preserve every community’s unique sense of place.
“Our vintage and historic buildings in the community are part of our collective identity,” said Pritzker, who lives in Evanston. “And if we don’t preserve them they’ll fall apart on us. If we don’t keep up with the maintenance on them, they degenerate from an eyesore and a financial sinkhole to health and safety hazards. And if we take care of them, they will be an economic benefit to our area and… something to leave our children.”
Board chairman Will Tippens of Highland Park agreed that conserving and retrofitting, is often better than destruction of properties. “Progress always includes remembering…and we can’t look forward without remembering and honoring the past,” he said
Bottom line: The event raised $725,000 for Landmarks Illinois’ grant fund which provides financial assistance for projects ranging from the elimination of food deserts to emergency exterior masonry repair, and the creation of construction jobs statewide. See landmarks.org