Timeline
Saint Boniface Property:
1) Rectory 921 N. Noble St (Existing)
2) Church 1358 W. Chestnut St. (Existing)
3) School 1346 W. Chestnut St. (Demolished 2003)
4) Convent 1342 W. Chestnut St. (Demolished 2003)
5) Convent 1340 W. Chestnut St. (Demolished 1994)
Timeline
1983 - School Closes
According to the 125th Anniversary of St. Boniface booklet, due to “the financial situation of the school, coupled with the decrease in enrollment”, Saint Boniface elementary school closes. Much of the building is left unsecured from trespassers and weather.
1990 - Church Closes
June 90
The Archdiocese of Chicago closes 28 parishes including Saint Boniface. As with the school, much of the church building is left unsecured from trespassers and weather.
1994 - Convent Demolished
The convent building at 1340 Chestnut St. becomes the first of five buildings on the Saint Boniface property to be razed. At the time, the building shows no signs of structural decay and is not offered for sale.
1999 - “Stop the Demolition”
March 99
Landmarks Illinois, then LPCI, names Saint Boniface Church and School to their “Ten Most Endangered” in Illinois list for 1999. It’s status is currently listed as “still threatened” on the Landmarks Illinois website.
April 99
A local community group discovers that the Archdiocese of Chicago is planning to demolish Saint Boniface church, school and all other structures on the property. Because of the architectural significance of the church and school, both designed by renowned architect Henry Schlacks, much attention is drawn to the possible razing of these cornerstones of this West Town neighborhood. Area residents, along with prominent preservation groups organize and form The Coalition To Save Saint Boniface. This newly formed group recruits then alderman, Jesse Granato, to ask the Archdiocese to reconsider its plans for demolition. The Archdiocese of Chicago responds that they are not in a financial position to repair the buildings and that they would soon request a demolition permit from the City of Chicago. Like the convent building, none of these properties are offered for sale.
May 99
In response to a letter written expressing concern over the possible demolition of Saint Boniface, one citizen receives a reply, signed by Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago, stating, “If a group can fix it up, I’d be open to any proposition made”.
June 1,99
A “Stop The Demolition” vigil is held in front of Saint Boniface Church in protest of the Archdiocese’ intention do destroy the historic structures. Enduring heavy rain, approximately 250 people gather to hear speeches by preservationists, local residents, former Saint Boniface parishioners and Alderman Jesse Granato. The gathering, organized by The Coalition To Save Saint Boniface, also draws the attention of Chicago television and print media.
June 2, 99
Alderman Jesse Granato puts a hold on all demolition permits for buildings on the Saint Boniface property.
June 3, 99
The Chicago City Council passes an ordinance allowing the city to purchase the Saint Boniface property. According to a Sun Times article in June of 1999, the ordinance states that if the Archdiocese of Chicago is unwilling to sell or negotiations fail, the city will be authorized to use eminent domain to acquire the property.
When questioned, on Channel 11’s Chicago Tonight, of their intentions regarding the property, a representative of the Archdiocese replies that they would like to demolish all buildings on the land and keep the property for possible use later as part of their “mission”. (Chicago Tonight Video)
Summer 99
Community groups and preservationists begin to search for ideas and prospective parties interested in saving and renovating Saint Boniface.
A group of students from The School Of The Art Institute, in the Historic Preservation Graduate Program, put together a paper called An Adaptive Reuse Study For St. Boniface.
August 99
An article written by Bishop Raymond Goedert in the Catholic newspaper, The New World, says that the Archdiocese of Chicago does not have funds to rehab the properties. Although there is much outside interest in the property with plans to rehab the church and school buildings, the article makes no mention of selling the property.
2002 - For Sale?
October 02
Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., who inherits the Saint Boniface situation after city wards are redrawn, organizes and chairs a meeting at City Hall. In attendance are representatives from The Coalition To Save Saint Boniface, The Archdiocese of Chicago, preservationists and several city departments including the Department of Planning and Development.
This is the first time since 1999 that the Archdiocese of Chicago sends a representative to meet with concerned parties regarding the vacant Saint Boniface property. At the meeting, the Archdiocese surprisingly announces that they have decided to sell the property. They argue, however, that due to liability concerns, the school must be demolished but the church will remain. Community and preservation groups request that the school’s façade be saved.
2003 - School and Convent Demolished
May 03
The Archdiocese reveals plans to dismantle the school’s facade and place it in storage. Community groups are not satisfied, as they believe any up zoning from R-3 to R-5 or greater was to be contingent on the façade remaining in place on the property. Citing examples of other locations in Chicago, including Maxwell St., preservationists say that keeping the façade in place during the school’s demolition is a viable option.
August 03
A design competition (see photo page for submitted designs) is held by the Archdiocese to come up with plans for the Saint Boniface property. Several architectural firms are invited to participate and compete for monetary prizes. see press release - PDF
July - Sept 03
Saint Boniface School is demolished. The façade is dismantled and stored by the Archdiocese.
2005 - High Rise / Developer / Coptic Church
June05
A reunion mass and dance is held by, and for, former St. Boniface parishioners at the neighboring Holy Innocents Church and hall. Approximately 300 former parishioners and friends attend.
Although not scheduled, by organizers the event, a surprise presentation is made by Mr. Martin Jablonski, a representative of the Archdiocese. Mr. Jablonski’s power point presentation appeared to most everyone in attendance to stress three points:
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The Archdiocese is not interested in restoring the St. Boniface property themselves -
Their sponsored design competition yielded no viable plans
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The only possible reuse for the property is the construction of a multi-unit high-rise
While fielding questions, by guests regarding poor upkeep of the property over the past fifteen years, several comments arise accusing the Archdiocese of “slumlording” and of “tax-free land banking”. Mr. Jablonski’s reply is that the Archdiocese does not wish to invest any more money into the property. When one guest suggests that the Archdiocese sell the property, Mr. Jablonski replies, “if you write a check for 3 million dollars, we’ll sell it to you right now.”
Disappointed that the surprise presentation was not one of reminiscence but rather an apparent sales pitch for a high-rise development, many felt that the Archdiocese sponsored presentation took away from the intended spirit of the evening.
September 05
Smithfield Properties LLC invites residents of the 1300 block of West Chestnut St. to attend a meeting regarding the Saint Boniface property. Along with Smithfield representative Robert Buano, were Jimmy Lago, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Martin Jablonski, a liaison between Smithfield and the Archdiocese. Through questioning by area residents it is discovered that:
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Smithfield Properties has intentions of erecting a high-rise residential building on the lot where the school once stood and converting the church into residential units.
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The rectory on the Noble St. side would be demolished.
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There would not be an outright sale of the property from the Archdiocese to Smithfield. The Archdiocese of Chicago would “still hold some stake in the property”.
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A TIF district may be drawn to include Saint Boniface and the surrounding area.
Realizing that being drawn into a TIF district opens the door for homes, which are now occupied by long time residents, to be taken by eminent domain, concerned residents overwhelmingly inform Alderman Walter Burnett that they would aggressively oppose ANY project that would include them in a TIF zone.
To the surprise of most everyone at the meeting, representatives of The Coptic Orthodox Church introduce themselves and express that their congregation is very interested in purchasing and renovating Saint Boniface. Noting that they have made several attempts to communicate their interest to the Archdiocese, the Coptic Church representatives say these attempts went unanswered. Archdiocese representatives reply that they are uninterested in talking to the Coptic Church citing skepticism regarding their financial ability to take on this project. Assuring those in attendance that they are fully aware of the scope of such a project, the Coptic Church representatives stress they have both the experience and financial means to undertake this type of restoration. Using landmark type guidelines, they say they would rehab the church, as close as possible to it’s original beauty, into their place of worship.
At the conclusion of this meeting, Mr. Jimmy Lago of the Archdiocese, agrees to give audience to the Coptic Church representatives.
2006 -An Opportunity To Be Saved
August 06
The Archdiocese allows members of the Coptic Church to tour the interior of Saint Boniface with their structural engineers. Pleasantly surprised at the structural integrity of the church building, the Coptic Church representatives contact the Archdiocese in order to enter negotiations to purchase of the Saint Boniface property.
October 06
The Archdiocese of Chicago replies, to representatives of the Coptic Church, that they are moving forward with a developer.
December 06
Members of the Coptic Orthodox Church are requested to attend a meeting of the Echkart Park Community Council. At the meeting they provide a brief history of the Coptic Church, their congregation and their plans for St. Boniface Church if they were to acquire it. They stress that they understand fully the scope of this project. They eagerly and strongly claim to have both the engineering and financial resources, as well as the experience, to undertake the task of restoring Saint Boniface Church in a way that would satisfy community groups, neighbors and preservationists.
2007 - Zoning / Security / Developer Out? /Letter From Residents
January 07
The Eckhart Park Community Council and a neighbor representing the immediate area near St. Boniface, citing multiple issues, meet with Alderman Burnett, in person, and inform him that any upzoning from the current R-3 (basically single family) would be scrutinized and under no circumstances would a high-rise be acceptable.
April 07
After years of complaints by area residents regarding general upkeep of the property including overgrown weeds, trash and especially unsecured openings which allowed vagrants and drug users to enter and use the property, the Archdiocese bricks up all windows and doors at ground level.
May 07
A member of the Eckhart Park Community Council calls the Archdiocese of Chicago and is informed by a representative that, at this time, they are very close to a lease deal with a developer. No further details are given.
June 07
An article about Saint Boniface is written by Timothy Inklebarger and published in The Chicago Journal on 6-6-07. In the article a spokesman for the Archdiocese reveals that they have “decided not to lease the property at 1358 W. Chestnut to Smithfield Properties, who he [sic] proposed putting in senior housing.” This is the first public mention, by the Archdiocese of Chicago, to reuse the Saint Boniface property as senior housing.
Below are excerpts from the Chicago Journal article:
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“Archbishop Francis Cardinal George says a number of Eastern Catholic churches have approached the Archdiocese with plans to reuse the church, adding that, "none had the sufficient funds to repair the building."
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“A group of Coptic Orthodox Christians, however, has expressed interest in rehabbing the building and using it as a church, but the group says its offer has been largely ignored by the Archdiocese.”
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A representative of the Coptic Church says “their offer to restore the building was ignored.”
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An area resident inquiring about the property and the Coptic Church, received a letter from Archbishop Francis Cardinal George stating that it is “too late to begin negotiations with them."
October 07
A letter expressing frustration is written on behalf of area residents and sent, registered mail, to Archbishop Francis Cardinal George on July 25th. A response is received on July 28th. No further communication is received from the Archdiocese of Chicago as of 10-10-07. Use the links below to view the letter and response.
Archdiocese of Chicago Response
2008
April 08
As of April 10th, neither Archbishop Francis Cardinal George nor any representative of the Archdiocese of Chicago has responded to the above letter.
August 08
A letter from H.H. Pope Shenouda III’s office is written to the Archdiocese of Chicago expressing interest in Saint Boniface Church.
Link to Letter from Coptic Churches Pope
September 08
The Archdiocese of Chicago puts out a Request For Proposals for the redevelopment of the Saint Boniface property. See links below.
ARCHITECTUREPLUS Chicago Article
December 08
The Coptic Churches proposal to purchase and renovate Saint Boniface church is rejected by the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Neighbors meet with a representative of the Coptic Church who asserts passionately that her congregation, even after having their proposal rejected, is still very willing and able to restore Saint Boniface church to it’s original condition and use it as their Christian house of worship.
The Archdiocese of Chicago submits, to the City of Chicago, a request to demolish Saint Boniface church
Chicago Tribune Article 12-17-08
2009
January 09
In order to spread the word of the demolition request, community groups reignite a grassroots movement via an information blitz. Flyers and posters are distributed in the area surrounding Saint Boniface. The interest generated within the community, and by preservation groups, sparks a letter writing campaign asking the Archdiocese to reconsider their plans for demolition and the City to step in as a mediator. Several media outlets also cover Saint Boniface.
On January 22nd concerned citizens to Save Saint Boniface Church meet with Alderman Burnett to discuss the impending Demolition Permit that the Archdiocese has pulled for St. Boniface. There were over 30 people in attendance at the alderman’s regular “ward night” meeting. The general feeling after the meeting was positive but there was still no guarantee that the Alderman and the City of Chicago will actually commit to preserving the building. Another letter writing campaign to representatives of the City is launched.
A Save Saint Boniface Facebook group is started.
On January 26th Preservation Chicago names its annual Chicago 7; the 7 most endangered buildings in Chicago. Saint Boniface is on the list.
Preservation Chicago - Chicago 7 -2009
February 09
The information blitz and letter writing campaign continues.
On February 17th approximately 30 concerned people again attend Alderman Burnette’s “ward night” meeting asking that he back the land marking of Saint Boniface. Alderman Burnett signs a landmark application in front of the crowd but states that it will not ensure that St Boniface does not get demolished. He also informs those in attendance that this application will not be heard until the April 2009 hearing.
There is a three-week period between the expiration of the 90-day demolition permit hold and the April landmark hearing. Saint Boniface does not receive landmark status from the City.
March 09
On March 6th the 90-day hold on the demolition permit expires and cannot be extended. The City of Chicago issues the necessary permits for demolition to the Archdiocese of Chicago but ensures the community that they are actively perusing a land trade with the Archdiocese.
June 09
At this time the Archdiocese of Chicago is in possession of the necessary permits to demolish the Saint Boniface church and remaining buildings on the property. To the best of our knowledge the Archdiocese and City of Chicago are sill negotiating a possible land swap in which the City would take possession of the Saint Boniface property via a land trade. The City has made it known that they do not wish to keep the Saint Boniface property and would need to have, in place, and end user who would restore and or incorporate the church building into some type of development.
September 09
A Sun Times article reveals that an agreement has been reached between Institutional Project Management, the City of Chicago and the Archdiocese of Chicago regarding a deal that would involve the redevelopment of Saint Boniface Church into a “senior living complex”. The deal would also save historic parts of the church.
2010
April 2010
The City of Chicago’s Community Development Commission approves a complicated deal in which the City of Chicago would acquire the now vacant Byrd School. located at 363 W. Hill St in Chicago, from the Chicago Public Schools and sublease it to the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Archdiocese of Chicago would then relinquish the Saint Boniface property to the City of Chicago who would then lease it to Institutional Project Management who would transform Saint Boniface church building into a development for senior housing.
IPM’s proposed plan for Saint Boniface includes demolition of most of the church structure but incorporates combining the existing south and west facades with the new structure. The plan not only accommodates the needs of the project but also satisfies both the preservation and local communities.
Although regret is expressed by Chicago preservation groups and local residents, that the entire Saint Boniface church could not be saved and reused due to structural issues, they overwhelmingly support IPM’s plan.