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Humboldt Park Stables and Receptory was built in 1896 and designed by architects Fromman & Jebsen. Jens Jensen, a renowned Chicago landscape architect, used the building as his office and headquarters for many years. The Chicago Park District and the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture (IPRAC) have undertaken a major restoration of the building and grounds for a Puerto Rican cultural/arts center that will serve the residents of Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood.
What is the historical significance of this site?
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this elaborate Queen Anne style structure held the office of Jens Jensen, a nationally recognized landscape architect and one of the most important designers of Chicago's historic and outstanding park system.
What is the current status of the grant?
In 1998, the Chicago Park District completed an exterior restoration after the building suffered considerable damage from a fire. IPRAC is now tackling the interior for conversion to a museum. The initial phase of the Jens Jensen Office Restoration Project began in 2008 and is well underway at this time.
The Partners in Preservation grant provided funding for the plaster restoration in the office, which was completed in March 2009. Work on the remaining surfaces, woodwork and window surrounds is still in progress but should be completed very soon.
Why this site needs your support:
The Jens Jensen Office Restoration Project is part of a larger project being carried out by IPRAC to completely restore the interior of the historic Humboldt Park Stables. IPRAC plans to use the site for a museum and cultural center that will showcase a collection of Puerto Rican artwork and offer lectures, educational workshops, a film series, a fine arts festival and art classes. Once restored and reopened, the museum will be free to the public and host visitors year-round. Visit http://www.iprac.org/support_cc.htm to donate to the Jens Jensen Office Restoration Project.
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