How to Avert a Preservation Crisis in Chicago

The CHRS was created between 1983 and 1994 in an effort to identify buildings of potential architectural-historical significance citywide. But since the early 1990s, no concerted effort has been made to update the survey, even as tastes have changed and more buildings (including Modern and Postmodern icons) have aged into landmark status. In addition, the database continues to be used to make life-or-death decisions about buildings, despite the fact it only represents a partial abstract of the full survey, with significant gaps and missing information. Preservation advocates, practitioners and those interested in the history of Chicago’s built environment are increasingly calling for a new survey. If you are interested in preservation, this is a panel discussion you won’t want to miss!

Program Speaker: Pauline Saliga

Pauline Saliga is the Executive Director of the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH), a Chicago-based international association that promotes the study, interpretation and conservation of architecture and landscapes worldwide. She's managed several new digital publishing ventures at SAH in the past ten years, including SAH Archipedia, a growing online encyclopedia of US architecture and landscapes. Prior to SAH, Saliga was Associate Curator of Architecture at the Art Institute of Chicago, where she curated dozens of exhibitions, including "Fragments of Chicago’s Past," the installation of Chicago building fragments at the top of the museum’s central staircase.

Program Speaker: Edward Torrez

Edward Torrez, AIA, LEED AP, is an architect and principal at Bauer Latoza Studio Ltd. in Chicago. He specializes in historic preservation/rehabilitation, interior renovation and urban design projects throughout numerous states around the country. He has served on the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, and is currently an Advisor to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, member of the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council (IHSAC), member of the Executive Board of Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC), member of Landmarks Illinois’ Reinvestment Committee, Board member of the Ray Bradbury Carnegie Center and member of the Board of Directors of the Cliff Dwellers Club.

Program Speaker: Timothy N. Wittman

Timothy N. Wittman is an architectural historian and historic preservationist who has served for over 20 years as Adjunct Associate Professor of Art History and Historic Preservation at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and also teaches at Lake Forest College. He is a graduate of Hiram College in Ohio, and earned a Master’s degree in Art History, specializing in architectural history, from the University of Chicago.

Program Moderator: Elizabeth Blasius

Elizabeth Blasius is an architectural historian and heritage conservationist based in Chicago. She's worked extensively in the public and private sector consulting with clients in following the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Through her professional practice and her advocacy work, Blasius addresses climate change, responsible development and social equity as they relate to the historic built environment. She also serves as the Midwest editor of The Architect’s Newspaper.

AIA/CES Credit: 1 LU

Notes:

• Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center on the day of the event. View the CAC's hours.
• Discount tickets are available with a valid student ID for $12 at the CAC Box Office.