Research shows that properties in poor shape, including vacant lots and abandoned buildings, can take heavy tolls on their communities, decreasing property values and deterring potential home buyers. The Chicago Association of REALTORS® created the Good Neighbor Awards in 1992 to encourage rehabilitation and redevelopment in Chicago’s north side neighborhoods. Good Neighbor Awards recognize those efforts that go above and beyond the norm to surpass challenges, take special care to create properties that enhance surrounding neighborhoods and bring stigmatized properties back to life. These awards recognize properties that offer unique facilities and amenities that support economic development and strengthen community pride. The City of Berwyn is proud to announce that five renovation projects received Good Neighbor Awards in 2014, including the following:
• Schademann Studios, 6729 W. Roosevelt Road, a 1918 vintage storefront was restored to its original condition and now houses a photography studio, bolstering the surging arts presence on Berwyn’s Roosevelt Road.
• Smile Fixation, 7039 W. Roosevelt Road, a 2,700 square foot vacant storefront was renovated into a new family dental practice and contributes to the renaissance taking place along Berwyn’s Roosevelt Road.
• Wire, 6815 W. Roosevelt Road, a redeveloped Teamsters Union Hall was restored into a 10,000 square foot, 350-person capacity music venue with mezzanine with VIP viewing area, recording studio, private classrooms and offices.
• Two bungalow restorations, 2118 Clinton Avenue and 3645 Scoville Avenue, are residential renovation projects taken on by Jack Shay of Victorian Inc. For the past five years, Jack Shay has purchased a total of eight foreclosed bungalows in Berwyn. These rehabs have preserved Berwyn’s significant base of Chicago-style bungalows, which have been recognized by This Old House and American Bungalow magazines and the State of Illinois through its creation of Bungalow Appreciation Week adopted and initiated in Berwyn by the City of Homes Organization (Berwyn Bungalow Preservation Initiative).
Additionally, one honorable mention was awarded to Safelite AutoGlass (6538-40 W. Ogden Avenue). CAR’s 22nd Annual Good Neighbor Awards Reception (chicagorealtor.com/gna) was held on Thursday, May 22 at The Montgomery Club in Chicago.
