Re-Building.com Newsletter 28

Re-Building.com

A preservation editorial newsletter

Volume 28 - July, 2006

Published by Martin Hackl, River Forest, Illinois

Renovation on the Cheap

Is the restoration of the River Forest Women's Club being bungled?

I recently drove by the River Forest Women's Club building in River Forest, Illinois. Something which I had avoided doing since, with a local group of people, we fought and lost a battle trying to save it from being sold and converted into a single family home. I am appalled at the apparent shoddiness of the so-called restoration.

The new owners won the building from others trying to save it, by alleging that they had substantial funds and knowledge, where others did not, to properly restore the structure.

I have not entered the building since before the sale in June 2005, although I have been accused of doing so -- (I received this letter a few months back accusing me of trespassing).

-- and therefore cannot assess what is being done on the interior. I assume the letter is meant to be some kind of intimidation to stifle any future criticism on my part. Sorry guys, no luck there.

Anyhow, if the quality of the work in toto can be judged by the work apparent on the exterior of the structure, it does not bode well!

Most evident is the one major structural problem with the building. I identified this problem years ago, and it is not a very difficult one to assess or address. The north elevation (the stage end) of the building has a major defection, probably the result of a cracked or otherwise compromised beam supporting the stage, a clear span across the old kitchen area below. The was a fire many years back, and that, plus subsequent water damage may have caused the problem.

It is one area that should not only be addressed because of possible structural failure, but because the deflection noticeably affects the visual character of the whole north facade. It should not only be supported mid-span to prevent further deflection - or failure, but in this case, should be lifted to restore the visual character of the facade. For the long term health of the structure, this beam (or beams) should probably be replaced in conjunction with lifting areas above it and subsequent repairs.

It is clear that this structural problem is not being addressed, because exterior replacement pine boards have already been installed at the cornice and follow the very noticeable deflection.

Which brings up the second issue. From what I can see from the street, most of the replacement of exterior wood is being done with cheap, knotty, number 2 pine. This is an inferior and inappropriate material. The original siding and trim is cypress. The only appropriate substitutes would be cypress (which is still readily available) or possibly number 1 cedar. Also, they are using off-the-shelf dimensional material (1-by, or 3/4"). This is also inappropriate, and replacements should be milled to match the older 5/4 and 6/4 , or whatever, material dimensions.

Lastly, the area under the port cochere was enclosed early in the building's history, probably the work of the original architect himself (William Drummond). In any case, according the all standards the enclosure should probably have been left as part of the historical fabric and integrity of the building.

What is most surprising to me is that the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois (LPCI -- of which I am currently a dues paying member) -- holds a preservation easement on this building. LPCI therefore has very strong jurisdiction over what is done to the building, and yet is apparently providing no oversight whatsoever.

I have no way of knowing, but I wonder if the owners have documented the as-is state of the structure before any changes were made, and additionally, are they documenting the changes? The Secretary of the Interior Standards are a good guideline to addressing these issues, but it seems are being ignored. Aren't those standards held by LPCI? I thought so, but I may be mistaken.

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