In Champaign, IL, the very historic and majestic 1884 Burnham residence designed by Daniel Burnham and John Root is under imminent threat of demolition as the local School Board plans to demolish it within weeks to put up a parking lot.
As most of you likely know, Daniel Burnham is one of the most famous architects in the world. He largely developed the skyscraper and his great works include NYC’s iconic and much loved Flatiron Building, Wash DC’s Union Station and National Mall, the Field Museum, Chicago World’s Fair, CAs Mt Wilson Observatory + 300 more. He built skyscrapers and iconic buildings in almost 20 states all over the country, London and the Philippines.
Burnham designed very few residential homes and only 10 remain in the world. Champaign is very fortunate to have one. However, it is about to be demolished by the school board for a parking lot.
Multiple alternative options exist instead of demolishing the very historic, architecturally relevant and well maintained Burnham House, including finding another space for the annex lot, repurposing the Burnham for education, etc.
Very many are not aware of the very historic and immense architectural legacy that we are very fortunate to have in our community. Very viable, feasible alternatives exist that promote the High School expansion and do not involve demolition of the very Historic Burnham. We hope that our School Board could recognize the benefits of historic preservation and that its potential benefits to students and the community are far greater than providing some additional parking. With some creative thinking, a state of the art high school and the community and country’s historic and architectural legacy can go hand in hand.
Please sign the petition to save the historic Burnham house from demolition. We ask that the historic Burnham House be preserved for the education and enjoyment of our children, our community, and well beyond.
Please read and sign the petition: Save The Historic Burnham House http://chn.ge/2lZCW5u. Once it is gone, it is lost to all.
For more information and photos, please see SaveBurnham.weebly.com.