Landmark status for President Obama’s neighborhood library up for a vote today

Landmark status for President Obama’s neighborhood library up for a vote today

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(photo by Lee Bey)

Chicago’s landmarks commission will vote today on whether to recommend alderman grant protected landmark status to the Timothy Blackstone Memorial Library, a century-old Tiffany-domed Beaux Art beauty in the Kenwood neighborhood—blocks east of President Obama’s house—that is also the first branch library built in the city.

Located at 4904 S. Lake Park, the stately library was designed by prominent architect Solon Beman—whose works include the historic Pullman neighborhood, the Fine Arts Building and first generation Christian Science temples around town. The building boasts architectural details such as bronze doors, a marble rotunda and a spectacular six columned main entrance. The branch opened in 1904 and is named for Timothy Beach Blackstone—the president of both the Union Stockyards and the Chicago and Alton Railroad—who left the money and land to build the library after his death in 1900.

(photo by Lee Bey)

(photo by Lee Bey)

(photo by Lee Bey)

The eight-member Commission on Chicago Landmarks is expected to vote on the measure at its regular meeting at 12:45pm today at City Hall. The panel will also vote on sending the Germania Club, 1536 N. Clark, to the city council for landmark status.