It is far too late at this stage to start a conversation about design. That should have happened starting in 2020 before parkland was paved over without oversight or permission. Excavation and tree removal occurred, and a foundation has been laid, and perimeter walls have been raised skyward. However, based on many comments posted here and elsewhere about how the new structure appears, I wanted to offer some food for thought based on architectural plans and descriptions submitted by the builder (who appears to also be the architect), obtained via documents via FOIA of the Chicago Park District.
Quoting the 10/13/2022 permit application (page 2 of 58), the style of the north facing wall of the "barn appearance" structure is declared to be "typical Puerto Rican Folk Lore casita architecture" (TPRFLC).
I am not an architecture or design professional, but my doubts remain regarding the compatibility of the new building with the existing one. Now that the project is well underway, the proposal revealed by FOIA (rather than appropriately at a community meeting) is for a TPRFLC-styled building being placed adjacent to and significantly blocking the view of an architectural masterpiece which is a unique blend of Queen Anne and German Fachwerk (half-timbering).
How can an archives building, without windows or doors (except fire escape) on several sides (which is necessary to block the sun to protect archives), be thought to be compatible with a building whose fenestration includes prolific and sometimes whimsical placement of windows and doors, accompanied by stone column adorned and arched entrances, and inspiring cupolas? That's a view that simply shouldn't be blocked.
Chicago Park District, DO NOT APPROVE THE EX-POST-FACTO PERMIT newly applied for by the contractor who violated the rules and our trust for the Museum who acted without transparency to build a building which can be built anywhere!
My review of hundreds and hundreds of pages of document obtained via FOIA from ILDNR, ILSHOP, CPD, etc. do not show any progression or change in size or design from 1500 square feet to 6800 square feet. REVOKE THE APPROVAL.
The size of structure that was somehow approved (without public comment) by the ILSHPO office and ILDNR office was 1500 sqft. Currently it is pre-built to 6800 sqft. There is no indication of a re-review that occurred or that is in process, though a re-review appears to be required and specified in many of the DNR and SHPO guidelines and conditions.
In addition to the belief that a storage building or barn does not even belong next to this historic building, if somehow every agency that should protect parkland and landmarks allows it, the new structure should certainly not dominate any part of the landscape or overshadow or diminish existing historic buildings. The new structure should be subordinate and not compete with the Chicago Landmarked building which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
How about a little respect? A little sensitivity? A little thoughtfulness? This was jammed on us without any opportunity for comment. This petition is our intervention, but it won't stop here.
Historic architecture is important. Landscape architecture and setting is important. Too bad we can't ask Jens Jensen for his opinion, but I suspect as Park Superintendent he would have scoffed at the idea and would not have allowed a new storage building to block views of the Prairie Style landscape surrounding the Receptory and Stables building, or the views of the building from the surrounding neighborhood and from throughout the park.
Instead, a suburban general contractor/architect whose has an eye turned towards profit, and folks from Springfield, whose eyes are 200 miles away have tried to push this through.
Museum, build a new archive building in the community. Get off our land.
If any of us built a new structure on privately owned land (let alone publicly owned land) without permits, we would be losing our case in demolition court. That is what needs to occur here if the rules apply to us all.
The building and the park are protected. But those that are the appointed protectors, who are paid with our tax dollars allowed this to be built without our input. Let's call them to action or start calling for their removal and replacement!
Park District, Chicago, Illinois, USA, world: We can do better than this. We DESERVE better than this.
We are now the gatekeepers on this issue, and we need to encourage others to sign the petition. And please contact the officials associated with the project to inform them of your stance.