What will it take for Streeterville residents to recognize that an important example of Chicago’s architectural heritage is at risk in their own backyard? On the cover of SOAR’s fall 2011 newsletter, the article “The Value of Significant Architecture” features the world-class architecture found in the Streeterville neighborhood, yet doesn’t even acknowledge “old” Prentice Hospital, one of our community’s most distinctive buildings. While Prentice is not aesthetically pleasing to everyone, there is no denying its importance — it is currently featured in two major exhibitions, at the Art Institute and the Arts Club, on Chicago’s own internationally famous architect, Bertrand Goldberg.

The Board of Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) made the decision to support Northwestern University’s plans to demolish Prentice, allowing the university to land bank for an indefinite period of time. In order to be a true community leader, SOAR should at least acknowledge that Prentice is a building of enormous architectural importance; and that, controversial as it may be, there are many who live in Streeterville who wish to save it. To leave Prentice out of the SOAR newsletter’s lead article on the important architecture of Streeterville is shortsighted and troubling.

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By Shelley Gorson from Streeterville
Posted: 01/06/2012 10:29 AM

Please note that I live in Streeterville, not the Gold Coast as someone erroneously noted! That is why I am a proud member of SOAR, and am committed to the quality of life in our community.