DePaul Athletic Facility Approved: Plan Commission Greenlights Project

DePaul University‘s Expansion Plans spark Debate in Lincoln Park: Balancing Growth with Historic Preservation

DePaul University’s ambition to enhance its athletic facilities is facing a ⁤complex challenge in Chicago’s Lincoln Park ‍neighborhood. The proposed construction of a new basketball practice facility is pitting the university against residents and preservationists who fear the loss ‍of the area’s unique historic ‍character. This article delves into the details of the plan, the community’s ⁢response, and the delicate balance between institutional growth and neighborhood preservation.

The Proposal:⁢ A New Facility,⁢ A Contentious Location

DePaul intends to build a state-of-the-art basketball practice facility on Belden Avenue, requiring the demolition of two ⁢existing buildings. The university ‍argues this location is ideal – centrally positioned on campus and best suited for a facility primarily serving students. They point to a parking lot they ⁤own one block north as a potential site for future, more community-facing developments like a hotel or convention center with‍ retail space.

However,‍ this plan has ignited a firestorm of opposition, primarily from the Sheffield ⁤Neighborhood Association and historic preservation groups.The core of the disagreement lies in the decision to demolish existing structures, even those not officially designated as landmarks, within a historically⁢ significant neighborhood.

A Neighborhood’s Concerns: More than Just Bricks and Mortar

The Sheffield Neighborhood association, led by ⁤President Brian Comer (who narrowly lost a 2023 Council seat bid to current Alderman Knudsen), has been⁣ vocal in its opposition. Comer argues that once residents understood the full scope of DePaul’s ⁢options,⁤ they questioned why the university would choose to tear ⁣down “gorgeous homes.” The association isn’t against DePaul’s ⁢growth, but strongly ⁤objects to the method.

“We want ⁤the university to expand and be triumphant, we just disagree with⁤ how they’re going⁤ about it,” Comer stated. This sentiment ⁢reflects a deeper ⁣concern: the fear that continued demolition will irrevocably alter‍ the fabric of the neighborhood, effectively “cutting our neighborhood in half” as development continues.

Preservationists Weigh In: A Cumulative Loss

Historic ⁢preservationists echo these concerns. Ward Miller, Executive Director‍ of‍ Preservation Chicago, acknowledges DePaul’s need to grow but emphasizes that Lincoln Park has already experienced significant losses⁤ of its historic architecture.

“we get it…it’s just that there are available sites that are ready and do not require the demolition of the neighborhood’s historic fabric,” Miller explained. ⁤He highlights the unique integration of DePaul’s campus within the community, suggesting⁢ that preserving this harmony should be a priority. ⁣He points to ‍a previous demolition in the area as evidence of a concerning trend (see: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2023/04/24/demolition-of-historic-lincoln-park-home-under-way-after-lost-preservation-fight/).

DePaul’s Outlook: A Strategic Approach to Campus⁢ Development

Rich Wiltse, DePaul’s Vice President for Facility Operations, defends the Belden Avenue location as the “best fit” for a student-focused facility. He explains the university’s rationale for reserving the Fullerton Avenue lot for projects with broader community appeal. This strategic approach, according to DePaul, aims to maximize the benefit of its land holdings for both students and the surrounding area.

DePaul officials also emphasize their efforts to engage with the community. Peter Coffey, Associate Vice President for Community and Government ⁢Relations, detailed years of meetings with local organizations, including the Sheffield Neighborhood Association.As a result of ⁤this dialog,the university incorporated concessions into ⁣the plan,such as increased setbacks,wider sidewalks,rooftop solar power,and bird-friendly glass. coffey also noted the support of other groups, like the Wrightwood Neighbors Association and the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce.

Navigating‍ Landmark Status and Future preservation

The debate also touches on the buildings’ official historic designation. While two ‍of the structures are “orange-rated” by the city – indicating potential historic significance – they don’t currently meet the criteria for⁤ landmark status, according to Dijana Cuvalo, an architect with the Chicago Department of Planning and Development.

Though, a potential compromise is on the horizon. DePaul has agreed to support the city’s efforts to landmark several existing buildings on ‍ campus, including the⁢ historic Cortelyou Commons (