The long-planned National Public Housing Museum — the country’s first cultural institution dedicated to interpreting the American experience in public housing — has given the go-ahead to soon occupy the last remaining building of Chicago’s shuttered Jane Addams Homes. A vote by the board of the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) authorized a plan that would see the museum restore the old structure at 1322 W. Taylor Street in Chicago’s Little Italy community and lease the space for $1 a year.
"This is such an important milestone for the Museum and we want to express our deep gratitude to the CHA board and staff for this vote," said Transitional Executive Director Pat O’Connell via statement. On track for a fall 2018 debut, the National Public Housing Museum plans to open a temporary exhibit in 2017 at Chicago’s second annual Architectural Biennial while its future permanent location at the former Jane Addams Homes is built-out.
Before construction begins, a celebratory "Last Look" event inside the red-brick 1938 building designed by architect John Holabird is planned this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event is open to the public will be the last chance to visit and document the historic building in its unrestored state. Interested individuals can learn more at www.nphm.org and RSVP to the "Last Look" event here.
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- National Public Housing Museum [official website]
- A Peek Inside The Last Jane Addams Home Still Standing [Curbed Chicago]
- Previous Little Italy coverage [Curbed Chicago]