In 1891, Graceland Cemetery Corporation decided to sell some land adjacent to what is now the celebrated eternal resting place of rich and famous Chicagoans.
The area became known as Sheridan Park -- bordered by West Montrose and West Lawrence avenues, North Broadway and North Clark, with Wilson Avenue running down the middle -- and was built to create an eight-square block suburban-style haven for the well-to-do in Uptown.
The streets and lots were laid out by landscape architect Ossian Simonds, who also had a hand in the design of Graceland Cemetery across the street...
For rest of story, go to Sun Times.
Excerpt from today's Chicago Sun-Times. Complete article can be found online.
The avalanche of landmarks approved by the Committee on Historical Landmark Preservation also included the Dover Street District, a "visually distinctive collection of suburban-style single-family homes and multi-family buildings" constructed between 1893 and 1927 in the Uptown community. The district "exemplifies the growth and development of the North Side neighborhood in the years following its annexation" by Chicago in 1889 - a growth made possible by mass transit to the Loop.
The district is predominantly located in the 4500, 4600 and 4700 blocks of North Dover and includes four properties on the 4700 block of North Beacon.
Of 88 property owners, 55 have agreed to the landmark designation. Several testified today and broke into applause after the vote.
"What has galvanized support is the threat of teardowns. We were mobilized into action because of that," said Joanne Gannett, who lives at 4723 N. Dover. "We're under a great deal of pressure now from developers. We need your help," said resident Barbara Litwin.
Landmark status affords certain protections to buildings. Those wanting to rip down or renovate a landmark structure, for instance, first must get approval from the city's Commission on Historical Landmarks.
