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Marina City landmark proposal still being reviewed

April 8, 2009 – Eight months after it was announced the formal process for landmarking Marina City had started, the request is still under review by the Landmarks Division of the Department of Planning and Development. The proposal has not been before the Commission on Chicago Landmarks – on the agenda of any public hearing – and there has been no public comment.

“It’s not because it’s Marina City or anything like that,” says Karen Bates, spokesperson for Department of Zoning and Land Use Planning, “but generally when something is under consideration, whatever the commission is doing or discussing or reviewing, they do that and they say something but in between that time, deliberations are not for public comment at all.”

Hedrich Blessing

Bates said making a final landmark designation is a lengthy process.

On August 12, 2008, 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly announced he had asked the commission to consider landmark designation for Marina City “in order to protect Marina City’s architectural integrity for the future and to secure its well-deserved status as an official Chicago landmark.”

Bates confirmed the request was received but is not yet before the Landmarks Commission. “Once that request was made, they were able to take it under advisement. Whenever there is something affirmative, then it usually comes up on the agenda.”

In September 2008, Reilly said Marina City residents could expect a mailing from the Landmarks Division. The Landmarks Division would then prepare a report, explaining why the property should be given official designation – and documenting how the complex looks to serve as a guide later if a change is requested. At some point, said Reilly, there would be public hearings at City Hall.

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks is a nine-member panel appointed by the mayor and city council to recommend buildings, sites, objects, and districts for official designation as Chicago landmarks, providing them legal protection. The Commission is staffed by the Landmarks Division of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development.

The Landmarks Commission met most recently on April 2 and will meet again on May 2.

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