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Published on 7/4/08
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Finally, a house of God can be a house of you.
Thanks to the hard work of the folks at UnRealty—and a pretty little loophole in the Chicago landmarks ordinance—the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral (1121 N Leavitt St) in Ukrainian Village will soon be converted into condominiums.
The plan, which could still face opposition from annoying historical landmark activists and the rest of the known universe, would allow young professionals to stake their claim in the neighborhood.
“We felt that it was selfish of the city to designate as a ‘landmark’ a building that’s used only once a week,” says UnRealty agent Jack Armstrong. “Now a family of three can enjoy it every day of the week. Except for weekends, when they’ll probably be in their Wisconsin vacation homes.”
Famed architect Louis H. Sullivan designed the building, which went up in 1903. The cathedral was intended to mirror the Russian churches familiar to immigrants in the neighborhood, and an attached rectory—which will serve as a multicar garage and a state-of-the-art workout facility—elegantly slopes down from the church, continuing in a fine curve of stucco and brick. Armstrong says he wants to preserve as much of the church’s heritage as possible.
“We’re going to be very respectful of the building; we want to honor it,” he says. “All we’re doing is stripping the facade and replacing it with a wall of four-inch-thick glass supported by giant criss-crossing steel beams, and placing a hand-molded, steel tiger on the front stoop. Minor details.”
While Russian Tsar Nicholas II partially financed the original structure, the new and improved “Unorthodox Condodral” will sell for $1.5 million per unit, with construction to begin on deposit. The blueprints we saw in UnRealty’s River North loft space required an almost complete overhaul of the cathedral’s famed ornate interior. But Armstrong has plans for gorgeous—yet subtle—touches that will pay homage to the history of the neighborhood.
“The rooftop porch will have a whirlpool and be covered by a thatch roof, recalling the original Russian bell tower,” Armstrong says. “It will be very tasteful.”
Is this some kind of joke? Yes, actually. The above was part of TOC's 2008 April Fool's issue. Read more about it here.
Gina
Tue, Apr 01, at 01:18pm
I'm Orthodox and I thought it was a cute article. My hometown has an extensive historical district that has unfortunately suffered from people who gut the historical buildings and turn them into upscale condos. The idea of this happening to an Orthodox church did make my stomach clench, but it's good that the article draws attention to the plight of historical sites trying to resist this particular brand of urban renewal, by pointing out how ridiculously disrespectful it is to do that to them.
Rev. Deacon Joseph J. Matusiak
Mon, Mar 31, at 03:20pm
Dear Sirs,
If this be an April Fool's Joke there should be a disclaimer stating such. As there is not I find this to be totally tasteless. Not to mention the fact that there is no humor in this what so ever. It is just not funny! I doubt this would pass muster on the Onion editorial board.
I serve at this parish and have worshiped here for many, many years. I am happy to see our neighborhood come back to life, finally a good place for sushi after services. I am also happy that we as a community hav
Archpriest John S. Adamcio
Mon, Mar 31, at 03:07pm
Your obvious "April's Fool joke" about Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral is in very poor taste. Having received a generous grant from Partners in Preservation (American Express Corp. and the National Trust for Historic Places), we are working hard to restore the world's only house of worship designed by Louis H. Sullivan. Many fail to see the "humor" in an article such as this.
seethru the crap
Fri, Mar 21, at 05:19pm
This has to be an April's Fool Hoax...nice try TOC
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