ANDERSONVILLE — Andersonville residents who banded together to try to save a 100-year-old greystone from being torn down are rejoicing after gaining the influential support of the local alderman.
At the beginning of the month, Kathy Klink-Flores heard the "sister" home next to hers in the 1400 block of West Berwyn Ave. had been purchased by a developer who planned to build a six-unit building in its place, she said.
"I just can't bear the thought of that happening," she said adding that both homes were built by architect George Pfeiffer in the early 1900s. Her home, at 1430 W. Berwyn Ave., is known as "The Castle."
Neighbors quickly rallied to help Klink-Flores in the battle. A petition to save the home at 1436 W. Berwyn Ave. from the wrecking ball has received nearly 500 signatures since May 5.
On Thursday afternoon, representatives of the East Andersonville Residents Council met with Ald. Harry Osterman (48th), the developer and the architects of the project.
"I agree wholeheartedly with the concerns that have been raised and that the building should be preserved," Osterman said in a statement Thursday.
The alderman said "the developer and architect "have agreed to put the proposed development project on hold, including the proposed demolition of 1436 W. Berwyn Ave." and that they "have agreed to work with my office on a revised plan that would include preservation of the existing building as part of the development."
Hot tip from Andersonville. Please spread the word on this one. cc: @_GXM @influxed @EricAllixRogers @Pres_Chicago @stevevance pic.twitter.com/QKerkkb997
— AJ LaTrace (@ajlatrace) May 10, 2017
