SAVE THE HOUSE!
Help save the local landmark house in Highland Park IL. 1014 Central Avenue. The house was built by William Witten in 1894. He was a master craftsman and specialized in intricate woodwork especially flooring. Some of the floors of this house were designed for the 1893 Columbian Exposition dance floor and others created specifically as a showcase of his abilities for customers. After the Fair was over, the dance floor was returned to Mr. Witten for use in the home.
The house is a local landmark, but a developer has purchased many surrounding houses to build a senior center. Those have been removed. The developer wants to tear down 1014 Central and save some of the flooring to frame in the senior center. The issue is that the house is a landmark and protected status and so highland park city officials need to protect it, but they are looking for a loop hole to take the landmark status away and tear down the house. The house is in great condition so this is a travesty.
Please save the house. The next meeting is at Highland Park City Hall on March 14th 2nd floor. The meeting begins at 7:30. Please sign the petition.
Updates
January 31, 2019
The people of Highland Park have spoken and the momentum is finally shifting against these greedy developers. City officials can try to hide behind their bureaucratic loopholes but they cannot ignore the growing wall of opposition protecting this historic house.
Reached 100 supporters
January 31, 2019
94 Comments
As the oldest living grandson of William Walter Witten, I totally support any and all efforts to preserve the Witten home at 1014 Central Ave in Highland Park. I seriously doubt that the masterful woodwork done by my grandfather on the interior of the home could be reproduced today.
As a past President of Society of Architectural Historians Chicago Chapter I find it hard to believe the Highland Park government would allow this to happern. This is a beautiful part of local history and design and is irreplaceable.
The developer had to know the landmark status of this house before he bought the surrounding houses for tear-down. This is cynical beyond belief to think that his money and pull would get the landmark status undone. I hope I am one of thousands who will fight for saving this house.
I have had the honor of touring this house. The interior is quite extraordinary. It Seoul’s not be difficult to move this to the east end of the property and revise the site plan. It could be a win-win.
The elements that were present on the exterior of the house in 1985 when it was locally landmarked all still exist. The city should follow their own ordinance and protect this property.
Save the Witten house! This is a special piece of my family history, let alone Chicago history, and it would be a shame to alter it in any way.
My great great grandfather built this home and I do hope it continues to stay in the Highland Park area. It’s such a representation of our family history.
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SAVE THE HOUSE!
Help save the local landmark house in Highland Park IL. 1014 Central Avenue. The house was built by William Witten in 1894. He was a master craftsman and specialized in intricate woodwork especially flooring. Some of the floors of this house were designed for the 1893 Columbian Exposition dance floor and others created specifically as a showcase of his abilities for customers. After the Fair was over, the dance floor was returned to Mr. Witten for use in the home.
The house is a local landmark, but a developer has purchased many surrounding houses to build a senior center. Those have been removed. The developer wants to tear down 1014 Central and save some of the flooring to frame in the senior center. The issue is that the house is a landmark and protected status and so highland park city officials need to protect it, but they are looking for a loop hole to take the landmark status away and tear down the house. The house is in great condition so this is a travesty.
Please save the house. The next meeting is at Highland Park City Hall on March 14th 2nd floor. The meeting begins at 7:30. Please sign the petition.
Updates
January 31, 2019
The people of Highland Park have spoken and the momentum is finally shifting against these greedy developers. City officials can try to hide behind their bureaucratic loopholes but they cannot ignore the growing wall of opposition protecting this historic house.
Reached 100 supporters
January 31, 2019
94 Comments
We owned this home from 1976 to 1979, it holds a fond place in our hearts. It was our first home, we had two of our three children here. The home was perfect for our growing family. Thanks for saving it from this typical developer! Sincerely, T Formberg
As the oldest living grandson of William Walter Witten, I totally support any and all efforts to preserve the Witten home at 1014 Central Ave in Highland Park. I seriously doubt that the masterful woodwork done by my grandfather on the interior of the home could be reproduced today.
As a past President of Society of Architectural Historians Chicago Chapter I find it hard to believe the Highland Park government would allow this to happern. This is a beautiful part of local history and design and is irreplaceable.
The developer had to know the landmark status of this house before he bought the surrounding houses for tear-down. This is cynical beyond belief to think that his money and pull would get the landmark status undone. I hope I am one of thousands who will fight for saving this house.
I have had the honor of touring this house. The interior is quite extraordinary. It Seoul’s not be difficult to move this to the east end of the property and revise the site plan. It could be a win-win.
The elements that were present on the exterior of the house in 1985 when it was locally landmarked all still exist. The city should follow their own ordinance and protect this property.
Save the Witten house! This is a special piece of my family history, let alone Chicago history, and it would be a shame to alter it in any way.
My great great grandfather built this home and I do hope it continues to stay in the Highland Park area. It’s such a representation of our family history.
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We owned this home from 1976 to 1979, it holds a fond place in our hearts. It was our first home, we had two of our three children here. The home was perfect for our growing family. Thanks for saving it from this typical developer! Sincerely, T Formberg