Save the Nordine Mansion from Demolition
We Need Your Help to Save the Nordine Mansion from Demolition
Support Landmarking
A demolition permit to tear down the historic Nordine Home in Edgewater was recently filed with the City of Chicago. We need your help to stop it.
This 1902 gem, designed by the famous Pond & Pond firm is a prime example of Arts and Craft design, and is the finest, and one of the of few remaining, single family homes in the original Edgewater. And it was owned for over 50 years by the noted Ken Nordine, “creator of a style of audio storytelling he called ‘word jazz,’ one of the most celebrated voices on radio or TV.” He broadcast his WMAQ radio show from the 3rd floor Snail Studios that saw or recorded the likes of Jerry Garcia, Fred Astaire and many other musicians of note.
This is “orange rated,” thus demolition is automatically delayed by up to 90 days for the Chicago Landmarks Commission to decide if it meets the standards as a Chicago Landmark. That could save the home, we hope, but that could start a lengthy appeal process. Regardless, we need your help!
We are grateful that Alderman Osterman issued the following supportive statement this week:
On December 23, 2019, lawyers representing the owners of 6106 N. Kenmore filed for a demolition permit for the building. This house, known locally as the “Nordine House”, is viewed as an historic building in our community as it was the long-time home of renowned vocalist Ken Nordine. The Edgewater Historical Society and others have voiced concern about demolishing the building. Because the building is “Orange Rated,” which is defined by the Landmarks division of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development (DPD) as “possessing some architectural feature or historical association that makes it potentially significant in the context of the surrounding community,” the demolition permit application triggers at 90-day review by DPD Landmarks division. Based on the outcome of the review, if the demolition permit is denied, this decision will be recommended to the Landmarks Commission for review. If the Landmarks Commission approves the DPD Landmarks decision, this matter will come before City Council. I strongly support the preservation of historically significant buildings. I will be following this process throughout and will provide updates to the community on this issue.”
Weekly Update from Your Alderman – January 10, 2020 – Ald. Harry Osterman, 48th Ward
You can help by writing or calling the Landmarks Commission (312.744.3200; 121 N LaSalle St #1101, Chicago, IL 60602) to say that you support their recommending landmark status for the Nordine Mansion at 6106 N. Kenmore).
Also, please copy our Alderman (48th) Harry Osterman (harry@48thward.org; 773.784.5277; 5533 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640).
This would be a great loss to the neighborhood history and character. Ken Nordine was legendary and the house gives the neighborhood character and serenity amid tremendous density. You can read more about the house, about Ken Nordine, and the considerable public media attention given to save the building. Links below give more info.
Thank you for your time to review this and support the Edgewater community.
Bob Remer
Edgewater Historical Society
Block Club Chicago article about the mansion