A reader made us aware of an interesting (and disturbing) site that lists all of the architecturally significant buildings in Chicago that are in danger of being demolished, or already have been. There are at least two we spotted in Uptown: 4722 N Winthrop and 3927 N Clarendon. This link shows all of the buildings on the demo list with photos.
The Clarendon address appears to be the old boarded up 3 flat/house at the point where Broadway splits off from Clarendon. Just north of the gas station at Clarendon/Broadway & West Sheridan, across from the Quizno's.
ReplyDeleteToo bad, it's a nice old classic building. Seems like it could be renovated nicely.
3927 N Clarendon is a stoop hangout for the homeless.
ReplyDeleteThe ownership name on the web site for 4722 N Wintrop is "Apna Ghiar", which I assume is Apna Ghiar, a shelter owner/operator.
ReplyDeleteI pass it many times. I always see homeless sitting in chairs in front of it. I wonder who owns it as homeless do live inside also. The boards have been taken off in the rear to gain excess. The owner should get rid of all the unsafe and unhealthy conditions it presents to residents that live next to it...
ReplyDeleteThey're pretty good folks - it's for abused Asian/Middle Eastern women. I've donated to them before. Didn't even know there WAS a shelter on this block.
ReplyDeleteThe statement by Apna Ghiar, "... with a primary focus on the South Asian and other immigrant communities," is vague. Given its "primary focus," what does it do with "American" nonimmigrant women abuse victims of European descent who desire shelter?
ReplyDeleteIf the shelter is underwritten in full or in part with public funds it must accept "clients" of all strata. However, if it is privately funded in its entirety it may restrict its clientele. I imagine if someone outside their "sphere of influence" were to show up on their doorstep that person would be referred to another agency.
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked with refugees at Traveler's & Immigrants Aid (now Heartland Alliance) many years ago, I learned that some cultures place a taboo for even mentioning domestic violence because it brings shame to the man of the house. There are different cultural groups that are much harder to reach so they need help that is more tailored to address the myriad of influences that prevent them from seeking safety.
ReplyDeleteStill, domestic violence is severely underreported and I suspect many of us know people who have experienced it. I do. More help is needed everywhere.
I'm convinced that this also leads children to engage in more violent behavior as well, but it would be good to see some formal studies on it so that we can make better use of our limited dollars available to help those in need.
4722 is a beautiful house. It's starting to look dilapitdated....its similar to the home that was torn down on Dover or whatever street that was that has alot of people upset....
ReplyDeleteTear it down and then what. It is a home for abused women....
Who want's it to be wrecked and why...what will they replace it with....? nobody is building anything anymore.