U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL) has been a strong proponent of creating a Pullman National Historical Park in the historical district, an architecturally unique neighborhood which played important roles in America's railroad, industrial and labor history.
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) broke the great news this morning on its facebook page: "Chicago’s Pullman site will join the National Park System!" Lynn McClure, NPCA's Midwest senior director, said "Thanks to the president, Pullman’s story will soon be remembered and recounted for the millions of people that visit America’s national parks each year.”
To seal the deal, President Barack Obama will visit the Pullman Historic District next Thursday, Feb. 19, in order to designate a portion of the Pullman neighborhood as a National Monument, according to the White House.
Rep. Robin Kelly is "thrilled" about the Pullman National Park designation. Kelly has a number of priorities as Congresswoman from the 2nd Illinois' Congressional district and these priorities are lofty and difficult to attain, but on Tuesday one of those priorities became reality, as President Barack Obama made the decision to designate the Pullman district on the Far South Side a national monument. Katherine Skiba of the Chicago Tribune talked to Rep. Kelly's Communications Director, Kayce Ataiyero, about the Presidential designation. Ataiyero said the Congresswoman was "thrilled" at the news, because it was a culmination of "working closely with the National Park Service, the White House and neighborhood activists to keep Pullman's legacy and history alive."
Rep. Kelly released a statement upon hearing the news:
I am thrilled that Pullman is getting this recognition. Pullman’s role in advancing the American labor movement and in giving rise to the first African American labor union is an important chapter in our country’s history that deserves to be told. That a monument will be established at Pullman is a testament not only to the American laborer but to the many residents of Pullman who have worked tirelessly for years to keep its history alive. Their passion to preserve Pullman’s legacy is what made this monument possible. I look forward to welcoming all the new visitors to my district to see the national treasurer that is Pullman.
Rep. Kelly has been a tireless advocate for the Pullman district to receive this national designation, because it "will create a wonderful tourist attraction in the area that will be a local job creator as well as a boon for the national economy."
The Chicago Tribune reported that the designation is not only a boon for the district, but a boon for the state of Illinois. Ataiyero said, "It will draw more people to Illinois and Pullman to learn about the community's role in our nation's history."
(Support the great work of Congresswoman Robin Kelly, click on the Act Blue donation link on the right).
According to Ataiyero, portions of Pullman will be "maintained by the National Park System in a manner similar to how it treats the Statue of Liberty and the Washington Monument." In addition, the Chicago Tribune said the area will encompass the North and South Pullman neighborhoods, which will include the Administration Building. That building is also known as the Clocktower Building, the old factory, Hotel Florence, Greenstone Church, the market square, and hundreds of row houses, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Its boundaries will be 103rd Street on the north, 115th Street on the south, Cottage Grove Avenue on the west and the Norfolk & Western rail line on the east, Ataiyero said.
The federal government will own only the Administration Building, according to Ataiyero.
The state of Illinois will continue to own and operate the Hotel Florence, and individual residents will continue to own the row houses, the church and small businesses, she said.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, active in the drive to preserve the Pullman Historic District, applauded the news. In 1999, after a fire badly damaged the Pullman's Administration Building, the trust put the district on a list of "America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places."
In 2014, the trust added the district to its portfolio of "national treasures" to highlight its continued need for preservation.