Update: gone:
Pic taken January 1, 2012. I did not read the details carefully. “Released” means that the “hold” is released and the action described in the permit application (in this instance, “wreck and remove”), is permitted.
I also just realized when posting that the building two doors down is gone as well, and replaced with a very large brick structure.
Pretty nice place (with the “A”):
#100409898
Date Received: 11/17/11
Address: 3549 N. Reta Ave.
Ward: 44
Applicant: Taylor Excavating
Owner: Jasper Builders
Permit Description: Wreck and remove a brick 2-flat and rear garage.
Status: Released 11/21/2011 [Application for this address previously released 8/4/2006]
Here’s the Historic Resources Survey item about the property, which is a Queen Anne from the 1890s.
A search of the City of Chicago data portal for the address shows that there was a demolition permit applied for back in August 2006 as well. Permit 100091922 was to “WRECK & REMOVE A BRICK 2 FLAT AND GARAGE”. Not sure what happened to that permit, because the Google Street View shot looks like it contains the original edifice. I’ll endeavor to get over there for a look-see.
There are a number of other landmark buildings on this block, including the LEROY:
In the mid-2000s, 3549 was sold and was to be demolished. I believe there was a change in economics that lead to maintaining the building as a rental property, thus giving it a reprieve until last year. For a while it seemed as if the flat would stay, but that was unlikely given the history of that block. The flat had a wonderful cornice with the relief of a woman’s face at the center of the pediment, and the widows cresting over the porch roof add much to the character of this flat.
The blue house, 3545, was demolished in 2011 after sitting vacant for nearly a year. Its porch details were new (1990s rehab), but the interior featured its original oak fretwork divider between the parlor and dining room.
In 2006, 3535 and 3537 were demolished. 3535 was also listed in Historic Resources Survey and rated orange for its intact pressed metal bay.
What’s wrong with a city that needs to destroy such history? The blue house was mine in the 1950′s+,what a shame and how ignorant since the only offers entertained were to have it torn down.!
ts original oak fretwork divider between the parlor and dining room huh?. 3545=,.,,that divider was put in when the outside was rehabbed,never existed till then .shame.