Hotel Dana @ 666 North State, 1891-2006?
The Hotel Dana is the latest in a long line of Orange-rated Chicago buildings on the path to demolition. It was constructed by a renowned architectural team (Patton and Fischer) back in 1891...Yet, demolition, here we come, as evidenced by these now infamous (to me anyway) public notice signs that seem to be popping up these days on 100-year-old buildings across the city. My feeling on this building's pending demolition is this: if this had not been used as a flophouse up until its closure it might have more of a chance at survival, but, as evidenced by its dirty condition, developers and city officials likely view this as an eyesore not worth saving. Which is a terrible shame, because it is a beautiful building. Even its neighbor, seen to the left, and also threatened, would be a gem if restored. Another high-rise hotel is scheduled to take its place.
This building was one of Preservation Chicago's Seven Most Threatened Buildings in 2005:
http://preservationchicago.org/chicago7/2005/hoteldana.pdf
Love, Mr. Archibleckture
UPDATE: The Hotel Dana has been placed on the Demolition Delay hold list, which means demolition is imminent:
#100089471Date Received: 1/12/06Address: 660-666 N. State/ 6 W. ErieApplicant: Heneghan WreckingOwner: Lori DolinPermit Description: Demolition of a 4-story brick and 5-story brick building. Former Dana Hotel.Status: Under review
This building was one of Preservation Chicago's Seven Most Threatened Buildings in 2005:
http://preservationchicago.org/chicago7/2005/hoteldana.pdf
Love, Mr. Archibleckture
UPDATE: The Hotel Dana has been placed on the Demolition Delay hold list, which means demolition is imminent:
#100089471Date Received: 1/12/06Address: 660-666 N. State/ 6 W. ErieApplicant: Heneghan WreckingOwner: Lori DolinPermit Description: Demolition of a 4-story brick and 5-story brick building. Former Dana Hotel.Status: Under review
posted by Sunnysider at 5:41 PM
0 comments
The Bernardin replaced a wonderful art deco structure, The Cass Studios, at 747 Wabash, which was built in 1932. The older building had a human scale, and appeared to be the home of exclusive boutiques back in the day. Before its destruction, I went to the Subway restaurant located there; I used to buy cigarettes at its White Hen. It was not a renowned landmark, but was home to artists that contributed to the Chicago community. The Bernardin, with its faux historic details, is an atrocity that targets Chicago's rich (rents run $5,300/month). Its ground level has fake lamps, fake shutters that cover fake windows. Instead of real windows looking into apartments, these fake windows cover a parking garage. The entire building is covered in a vomit-colored stone. There is even an article on their Web site with the headline: "A piece of the suburbs right downtown." Just what us cityfolk want...you can blame McCaffery Interests for this mess! Thanks McCaffery. And yuck...
