A steel framework is forming inside the shell of the Second Church of Christ, Scientist in Lincoln Park. That’s where Ogden Partners is developing a six-story building containing 22 three-bedroom units while saving the west, south, and east façades of the 120-year-old church. The church, at 2700 North Pine Grove Avenue, has been holding its services and meetings on Zoom, but will occupy 4,700 square feet of ground-floor space in the new building upon its completion.
East facade from Pine Grove Avenue. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
East facade. Photo by Daniel Schell
YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE.
Southeast corner of the church. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
The Chicago Architecture Center described the church this way for inclusion in past Open House Chicago tours:
The second Christian Science church built in Chicago is the oldest that still offers services. Architect Solon S. Beman patterned this Beaux-Arts structure after his Merchant Tailors building from the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. It is built of Bedford limestone and granite. The church was dedicated on Easter Sunday 1901 with four services accommodating more than 10,000 attendees. At the time, the church’s most notable neighbor was the original Ferris Wheel, located two blocks away on Clark Street where it had been moved after the Columbian Exposition. The church’s original Hutchings-Votey pipe organ (opus 525) was rebuilt by the Austin Organ Company in 1928 (opus 1646). In 1963, an extensive reconstruction of the interior was undertaken by Donald Billman of Whitehead and Billman.
South facade. Photo by Daniel Schell
South facade from Wrightwood Avenue. Photo by Daniel Schell
From the alley at the northwest corner of the site. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Demolition of the 1901, Solon Beman-designed church began in summer 2023. Once everything was gutted, foundation work got underway. Now steel dominates construction activity for MC Construction, who were hired as general contractor to bring Booth Hansen’s renovation design to fruition.
From the alley, before steel erection began. May 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
Before steel erection began, May 2024.Photo by Daniel Schell
New construction permit, issued June 9, 2023. via Chicago Data Portal
The new building will include parking for 31 cars and 17 bicycles, but residents will also have access to a veritable plethora of public transit options. CTA bus service for Routes 134, 143, 151, and 156 runs two blocks to the east on Stockton Drive. A three-block walk west leads to Routes 22 and 36 on Clark Street. The nearest L platform is the Diversey Brown/Purple Line, about 8/10 of a mile northwest.
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