Hyde Park Historical Society • Community Task Force for Promontory Point
On March 23rd, the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois (LPCI) announced that Promontory Point has been designated one of the "Ten Most Endangered Historic Sites in Illinois".
This news is bittersweet. Although the landmark preservation effort to save Promontory Point will now receive attention at a state and national level, this designation also reminds us that Promontory Point still faces a demolition threat by the Army Corps and the City.
For more than two years, the Community Task Force for Promontory Point, in partnership with the Hyde Park Historical Society, has been fighting plans to demolish the historic limestone revetment at the Point to make way for a concrete seawall. With the financial help of community members like you and the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the Community Task Force was able to hire experts to report on the feasibility of landmark preservation at the Point. They have done coastal engineering studies, prepared detailed architectural plans, and carefully considered comprehensive access issues. They have answered every single engineering, access, and cost issue that the Corps and the City have raised.
We now stand behind a designed, engineered, and peer-reviewed preservation plan for Promontory Point. It meets or exceeds every Corps standard, it includes $17 million worth of compromise features (in order to make it palatable to the City), and it costs less than the demolition plan.
What remains to be done?
Advocacy: We must continue discussions with the city, the state, and the Army Corps to ensure that our community has a voice in the work at the Point.
Expert Opinions: We must continue to bring outside professional expertise to the project. Those experts provide much-needed accountability to Corps and City figures.
Landmark Protections: We have applied for National Landmark Status for Promontory Point, and continue to foster the support of the LPCI, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preservation Chicago, and many other advocacy groups.
Future Stewardship: The Community Task Force supported the creation of the Promontory Point Conservancy, which will ensure future community stewardship of the Point.
What can you do to help?
Stay informed, attend meetings if you can, display your "Save the Point" bumper sticker with pride. And consider reaffirming your commitment by making a new financial contribution to the effort. Your help is critical. We must keep this treasured resource for our community and our city. The issue is close to resolution and we are confident that we can save the historic limestone revetment. Our ability to engage expert help or even do simple photocopying helps make us effective advocates. But in order to continue our efforts, we must be able to meet those costs. We are volunteers, dedicated to representing you, our community, and we rely on your financial support. All contributions are tax-deductible, and even the smallest amount will help.
Thanks for your support.
| Alice Schlessinger | Jack Spicer |
| Hyde Park Historical Society | Community Task Force for Promontory Point |