RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE 125 ANNIVERSARY OF GLESSNER HOUSE
WHEREAS, the Glessner House Museum, a Chicago landmark located at 1800 South Prairie Avenue in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood, launched the start of an 18-month celebration on June 1, 2011, to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the building of the house; and
WHEREAS, Glessner House was designed in 1886 by Henry Hobson Richardson, generally regarded as one of America's first great architects, and was recognized immediately for its innovative style and floor plan making it distinctly different from other houses being designed at the time; and
WHEREAS, Glessner House had a significant influence on Louis H. Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and other architects who helped to create a distinctive style of architecture unique to Chicago, the Midwest and the World; and
WHEREAS, Glessner House was built for John and Frances Glessner, both of whom contributed significantly to the city through their involvement in and generous support of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Art Institute, the Commercial Club, Rush Medical College, the Society of Decorative Arts, and other organizations. The Glessners lived in their home for nearly fifty years until their deaths in the 1930s, carefully preserving this last surviving work of H.H. Richardson in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Glessner House was rescued from demolition in 1966 and since that time has been extensively restored to its 1880s appearance, including the return of most of its original furnishings, including many important pieces representing the English and American Arts & Crafts movements; and
WHEREAS, Glessner House has been designated a City of Chicago Landmark, a National Historic Landmark, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building and grounds form a cornerstone of the landmark Prairie Avenue Historic District, attracting thousands of visitors each year from around the world who come to see its distinctive architecture, important collection of decorative arts, and to learn more about life in late- 19th century Chicago; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Robert W. Fioretti, Alderman of the 2nd Ward, has apprised this august body of the significance of Glessner House in the aforesaid recitals; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, assembled this 8th day of June, 2011 A.D., do hereby commend Glessner House Museum for its efforts to preserve this important landmark of architectural heritage for present and future generations to enjoy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be presented to the archives of the Glessner House Museum.