Altgeld Gardens is a public housing community built for black soldiers returning from WWII. Chicago Public Schools has failed to maintain and keep up one of the most historic buildings in the community, and now wants to tear it down and replace it with a playground. CPS did not inform the community of their plans or get our input. If they did, they would know we already have 10 playgrounds. What we need is a grocery store, and local job training. Revitalizing this building could lead to both. But tearing it down will jeopardize opportunities for revitalization through historic landmark status. CPS must stop the demolition and give the community control of the building. 

Landmarks Illinois also included the building, “School Building C”  on its 2021 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois, announced May 5. And Altgeld is up for consideration to be put on the National Register of Historic Places. The designation would not only create stronger restrictions on demolitions in the community, but also bring new resources for revitalization to the community.   This demolition threatens our opportunities. 

As public taxpayers we demand that the Chicago Public Schools recede on the contract to demolish the “C” Building in Altgeld Gardens located at 839 East 132nd Street, Chicago, IL 60827.  

We demand the respect and dignity from CPS by meeting with all stakeholders affected by their decisions.  The “C” Building a can serve as a center to provide social services and trainings for citizens on the far Southside of Chicago.  Services that include wrap around services from war veterans who served and are servicing in US military including assistance for their families and the community.

There is a greater needed to address the lack of services in the area from being deserts for food, transportation, training and economic development.  The revitalization of the “C” Building can serve as the catalyst for change in this area.

I am signing this petition to stop the demolition of the “C” Building, to promote community control of the building. I support the revitalization of this building and the final designation for Altgeld Gardens to become the listed on the National Landmark Register!