HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTIONS-1995-065-R-95. 65-R 95
MaMiMwirl
Rejecting the Nomination for Designation of
the Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center (LARC)
as an Evanston Landmark
WHEREAS, Mr. Michael Goff, "the applicant", an Evanston resident, submitted
a nomination for the LARC located on the Evanston Campus of Northwestern University, the
owner, for consideration and designation as an Evanston Landmark, pursuant to Section 2-9-5 of
the Evanston Historic Preservation Ordinance ("the Ordinance"), Title 2, Chapter 9 of the Code;
and
WHEREAS, the Evanston Preservation Commission (EPC) held a public hearing,
pursuant to proper notice, on August 28, 1995; and
• WHEREAS, the EPC considered the nomination and made determinations upon
the evidence presented that the nominated structure met certain criteria for designation as an
Evanston Landmark in subsections 2-9-4(A) and (B) of the Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, although the LARC meets certain criteria for designation as an
Evanston Landmark, its unique configuration renders adaptive reuse unfeasible as a practical
matter; and
WHEREAS, said practical barrier to adaptive reuse is such that the EPC
recommended that the City Council not grant Evanston Landmark status to the LARC; and
WHEREAS, the City Council considered the nomination; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
• Evanston, Cook County, Illinois:
SECTION 1: That the City Council hereby adopts the findings of the EPC and
finds pursuant to section 2-9-5 (G) of the Ordinance, that although the subject structure meets •
several criteria established by Section 2-9-4 of the Ordinance for Landmark designation, as
follows:
The structure is noteworthy for combining engineering and architectural design,
including being an example of an "exo-skeleton" structural system, and was
recognized by a Chicago Chapter AIA Honor Award in 1967 (2-9-4(A)3); and
2. The structure was designed by a prominent architect, Walter Netsch, formerly
associated with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (2-94(A)4); and
The LARC occupies a unique site on the lakefront, making it visible from many
vantage points and has become a focal point on the Evanston lakefront
(2-94(A)9); and
although the structure has sufficient integrity of materials and workmanship to consider it worthy •
of preservation or restoration, that nevertheless:
a) Northwestern University does not plan to restore the structure, and has removed
the telescopes which it was designed to house;
b) Northwestern University does not plan to use the facility as a learning or research
facility;
c) Because of the peculiar and specific design and construction of the structure to the
requirements of an observatory, the adaptive re -use of the structure for another
purpose is extremely difficult;
d) Because of the aforesaid peculiar design, the rehabilitation of the structure
including abatement of hazardous materials (lead paint) is difficult and financially
burdensome.
SECTION 2: That the City Council adopts the findings of the EPC that the
potential contribution from the adaptive re -use of the subject structure for another purpose is not
feasible, the rehabilitation of the structure does not outweigh an benefits to the general welfare •
g Y
• of the citizens of Evanston, Northwestern University has no plans for the continuous use of the
structure as an educational or research facility.
SECTION 3: This resolution shall be in full force and effect following its passage
and approval in the manner required by law.
Mayor
ATTEST:
t
City Clerk
•
Adopted: ,1995
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