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Resident urges commission to consider history of racial displacement before landmarking Willard School
Summary
A speaker asked the Preservation Commission to investigate the full history of Willard School and its neighborhood, citing research that links the school's establishment (1922–24) to forced relocation of Black residents and exclusionary zoning; she offered deed history and will email supporting documentation to staff.
During public comment the commission received a written submission asking it to consider the social and racial history of the Willard School area in any landmarking determination. The commenter said Willard was constructed in 1922 and opened in 1924 during a period when segregated schools and exclusionary zoning shaped neighborhood outcomes.
"I come just to request that the commission investigate and consider the full history of the Willard Site School Building and surrounding community," the commenter said, noting research that suggests the school's planning and construction involved displacement of Black residents and relocation to the city's 5th Ward. She cited a deed at 2715 Heard connected to a descendant of Carlos Sutton and said other neighbors reported similar histories. The commenter said she would email her full comments and supporting documents to staff for the commission's consideration.
Chair Klein thanked the speaker and noted an upcoming Lincolnwood hearing; staff confirmed they would accept the emailed materials and consider them with other background research. No formal action was taken on Willard during the meeting.
