I, along with fellow residents of Lake View East, am calling to stop the redesign schemes at Commonwealth Plaza, located at 330-340 West Diversey Parkway, Chicago. This issue hits home for me and many others. Our residences represent not only a substantial life investment but also uphold historically significant design standards.

Commonwealth Plaza has a remarkable heritage of architectural design. With its construction in the 1957, it stands as a beacon of mid-century modernism, embodying the principles of renowned architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The proposed schemes to update our hallways with new carpet, baseboard, and other decorations starkly contrast the building's design intention, thus diminishing our home's aesthetic and historical significance.

The issue isn't just about aesthetics, and it isn't about resistance to change. The building management has anointed itself a design committee of one and their suburban aesthetic does not match the community architectural preservation standards. 

Furthermore, the process for redesign has marginalized key contributors (including a highly-respected award-winning architect who refreshed the design in the 1990s and was deemed "expensive" without asking) and owners by ignoring their feedback and fielding a survey which elevates the opinions of renters, many of them short term with no financial or other stake. Due to the historic relevance and the potential depreciation of property value, it's time for an immediate halt on these proposed renovations. 

Let's safeguard our architectural heritage, protect the value of our homes, and engage in a mindful and respectful design process. We urge the board and management of Commonwealth Plaza to respect the historical integrity of our homes and stop consideration of all three proposed redesigns immediately.

Please sign this petition to join us in preserving the beauty and architectural integrity of our homes and neighborhood.