LINCOLN PARK — The converted Mulligan School Apartments lead 43rd Ward buildings earning this year's Preservation Excellence Awards Tuesday.
The Commission on Chicago Landmarks plans to honor the Mulligan School redevelopment at 1855 N. Sheffield Ave. in the category of adaptive reuse when it presents the annual awards in a ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Blvd.
Built in 1889, Mulligan School was already slated for a major renovation and conversion to apartments by the Svigos Development firm when it suffered a "devastating fire" that left it an "ice palace" almost three years ago.
Over the next 2½ years, it underwent an almost complete rehab, converting it to 24 luxury apartments, while retaining much of the original school hallmarks, such as chalkboards, lockers and cabinets, even when they had been burned by the fire.
Svigos bought the building in June 2013 for $4 million.
The school accommodated 918 students on its first day in September 1890. It closed in 1991, and reopened as Arts of Living Alternative School before closing for good in 2003.
The apartment development held an open house in May to welcome new and prospective tenants. Its three-bedroom, 3,100-square-foot penthouse rents for $11,000 per month. Smaller units rent for $3,500 when available.
Tom Burke-Kaiser also will be honored for the rehabilitation of 2347 N. Geneva Terrace, and developer Carlos Vazquez will receive a restoration award for his work at 223 W. Menomonee St.
The award ceremony is open to the public, but those interested in attending are asked to email city official Todd Wyatt or call 312-744-9145 to reserve seats.
Take a look inside the Mulligan School Apartments below: