What does the Beman Committee do?

The Beman Committee is a standing committee of the Pullman Civic Organization (PCO), and is tasked with helping property owners preserve and restore the historic features of their buildings’ facades. Like the PCO itself, the Beman Committee is comprised entirely of volunteers, some of whom have professions in architecture and historic preservation. 

 

What is this ‘Landmarks’ I keep hearing about?

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks is part of the Department of Buildings, and oversees the preservation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of Chicago’s historic buildings. The southern part of Pullman was declared a City Landmark District in 1972, the northern part in 1993, and then both were merged into one in 1999. Unlike many other Landmark properties in the City, the entirety of Pullman constitutes a singular District, which means each and every building within the District falls under Landmarks purview. 

 

I know there are rules about what I can do to the front of my building, but what about the inside of my property?

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks and the Beman Committee are really only concerned with the street-facing facades of buildings, as they connote the historic architectural significance of the neighborhood. Property owners are free to do with the inside of their buildings as they see fit – so long as any applicable work is permitted. 

 

Building permits are expensive. Do I really need to get one?

Ensuring that any proposed work meets with the requirements of the Chicago Building Code is important to preserve the structural integrity of buildings and safety for its occupants. By virtue of living in a Landmark District, the fees for building permits – even those pertaining to interior work – can be waived!

 

Will the Beman Committee fine me if I don’t get a permit?

The Beman Committee cannot levy any fines or otherwise penalize property owners - only the City of Chicago can do that. In addition to fines, unpermitted work leaves the property owner open to liens being placed upon the property. The violations review process by the City can often take a long time, so just because it seems a property owner ‘got away with’ not acquiring a permit, that doesn’t mean they’re in the clear. It’s always a safer choice to seek a permit rather than try to avoid having to get one, and the Beman Committee is always here to help. When in doubt, reach out!