Preservationists file lawsuit to save old Prentice Women's Hospital

Advocates for the saving the old Prentice Women’s Hospital filed a lawsuit against the Commission on Chicago Landmarks and the City of Chicago today. It was filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois.

The lawsuit alleges the commission improperly circumvented the Chicago Landmarks Ordinance.

Two weeks ago, the commission granted preliminary landmark status for the old Prentice Women’s Hospital but then revoked it.

This afternoon, the plaintiffs will ask for a ruling that would prevent demolition of the building pending the outcome of the the lawsuit.

If successful, the suit could sent the issue back the commission for a decision on full landmarking status and then to the Chicago City Council for a final decision.

“It would allow the process to play out, as it should under the ordinance,” said lawyer Michael Rachlis, who filed the lawsuit.

Northwestern University, which owns the site, plans to raze the building for a new medical research facility.

71 ideas from architects for preserving Prentice while meeting Northwestern’s needs will be released tonight by the Chicago Architecture Foundation.

Here is the lawsuit.Prentice_Complaint_with_Attachments.pdf

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