NHS of Chicago, Residents and Partners Celebrate North Lawndale’s K-Town Designation to the National Register of Historic Places

CHICAGO, Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Saturday, November 13, 2010, from 10:30 a.m. – noon at the historic Greater St. Paul AME church, community residents, representatives from state and local preservation agencies, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the City of Chicago, and the Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Chicago will celebrate the rich history of North Lawndale’s K-Town -- culminating in a certificate signing, officially listing the 16 blocks of  K-Town in the National Register of Historic Places.

K-Town -- named for its many north-south "K" streets including Karlov, Keeler and Kildare -- covers Pulaski on the east to Kostner on the west and from Cermak on the south and Cullerton on the north. K-Town boasts a unique mix of Chicago residential and commercial buildings, including one of the largest concentrations of Greystones in North Lawndale.

"We are so proud of this designation and for the rich history of K-Town and North Lawndale," said NHS Neighborhood Director Charles Leeks. "The historical designation shines a bright light on K-Town," said Paul Norrington, a 50-year resident and block club president on the 4200 block of W. 21st Place.  "It gives us a powerful focal point to preserve our neighborhood. K-Town is on the National Register. We are distinct across the country and around the world."

The following event is open to media:

What: Special collaboration between NHS of Chicago, state and local preservation agencies, and the City of Chicago. North Lawndale's K-Town listed on National Register of Historic Places

When: Saturday, November 13, 10:30 a.m. CST

Where: Greater St. Paul AME Church, 4236 W. Cermak, Chicago 60623

Who: Rev Cynthia Johnson, St. Paul AME Church; Charles Leeks, Neighborhood Director, NHS North Lawndale Office; Ed Jacob, Executive Director, NHS; Alderman Sharon Denise Dixon  (24th ward); Chris Morris, National Trust for Historic Preservation; Elisabeth Logman, Midwest Preservation, LLC; Paul Norrington, longtime K-Town resident; Michael Jackson, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency; Eleanor Gorski, Assistant Commissioner, Chicago Department of Zoning and Land Use Planning

Established in 1975, NHS of Chicago is a nonprofit housing, counseling, and lending organization that helps Chicago and Elgin residents Buy, Fix and Keep their homes. For more information, call 773-329-4010 or visit www.nhschicago.org.  

SOURCE Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago