Partners In Preservation - Chicagoland Initiative


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	Reliving the memories Submitted by Liz, Chicagoland I spent a majority of my life growing up in the Humboldt Park area as did many other Puerto Ricans in the 60's and 70's. Attending Von Humboldt Grammar School and then going on to Tuley/Clemente. I've seen the transformation within the decades in our community. The history of our culture in music, sports, and food will forever remain an impact within Humboldt Park. It is so important to me as a Puerto Rican to teach my children the history of our culture. The Humboldt Park stable and the goal of IPRAC will open the doors for our children to relive the memories. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Humble Humboldt Park Submitted by maria, Chicagoland I used to live directly across the street from the national guard building on North Ave. Back in the 60's the park was beautiful. From the vintage stables to the grand statues the boat house and what we called bunker hill where we sled, the national guard building was a sparkling then. I was just there this summer and I couldn't believe my eyes how much things have changed. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	The Community and its Leaders Preserve and Maintain a Puerto Rican Community through IPRAC Submitted by Jodene, Paseo Boricua, Humboldt Park IPRAC as a cultural and artistic institution in the Puerto Rican Community of Chicago is symbolic and commemorative to the struggles to preserve a community that began more than forty years ago. There are generations of families that treasure the "Humboldt Park Stables" and have many cherished memories at the Stables, making the Institute for Puerto Rican Arts and Culture a validating institution for the Puerto Rican community. Alderman Billy Ocasio has fought the hard battles others have not had to fight so that our community could blossom and prosper the way it has in the last fourteen years. Community leaders that have supported Ocasio and the work he has put forth can speak to his great accomplishments and efforts to preserve Humboldt Park - the last standing Puerto Rican community in Chicago. IPRAC is one of those major efforts and accomplishments this community and our Alderman has made happen, that is why everyone who cares about Humboldt Park should vote for IPRAC. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	WE NEED THIS! Submitted by Boricua Morena, Chicago I was born & raised in Chicago & have never lived anywhere else. I lived in the Humboldt Park neighborhood from the late 60's to early 70s, where I attended Humboldt Park Elementary School. I have some great memories of my childhood spent playing on the sidewalks and alleys along Western & Hirsch, where we lived. It is a shame that Puerto Ricans have been in Chicago for over half a century and still don't have a museum of their own. WE NEED THIS! Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	If you start something, finish it! Submitted by Elka, Humboldt Park resident I have lived in Humboldt Park for over 10 years. I have many friends from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Italy, Poland, Czech and they agree with me - we can't just say we did something great, if we don't finish what we started. If you want to learn more history about Humboldt Park, I suggest you go to the library, take out some books on this topic and read. Well, a lot of people don't mention it here, but there have been many Polish parades and events in Humboldt Park prior to 1904, when they placed monument of Thaddeus Kosciuszko (who, if your history is not so good, was a Polish soldier fighting for AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE). After that, more people started moving to Humboldt Park from Puerto Rico and the monument was sprayed with paint. Eventually in 1978, the city had to move the monument to the lake front, near the planetarium. Every nation has bad and good people, but it doesn't matter if you are Mexican, Polish, French, American or Puerto Rican , you don't throw trash on the street from your car's window, or spray faint, PLEASE! I can see changes in the park and around, but the beautiful building is sitting in the middle like it always has been. Nobody is doing anything. When they started renovating a few years ago, I was very happy as I thought it would become something like a café or restaurant (please no more Las Palmas like in the boathouse - big mistake!). I visit the park everyday and I blame Billy Ocasio that he is not doing anything more!!!! I want to see those windows with the light shining through .Please find me ONE! Like on the photos. Just PLYWOOD!!!! Billy, start doing something with this building, or I really don't see you as alderman in next voting. Just doing the outside is not enough! It is Fall 2007 and nothing is inside. Maybe the city could hire security overnight and finish what is not to date done. Pleaseâ€¦.And then Mr. Billy Ocasio can be proud he finally did something to completion. Comments (1) \| Comment on this story
	Humbolt Park Submitted by Nery, Humbolt Park Area Living in Chicago for 52 years, I have seen the changes. Humboldt Park is in the middle of the North West area, which has seen many changes. I feel it has not taken care as it use to be. The Historical places should be remodeled and kept as they were, whether it has to do with the Hispanic History or not. I still remember how clean the National Guard looked. The Flowers were the most beautiful site in the Chicago area. The Irish Parade Days where totally different. Yes! Humboldt Park has its history. I feel it has been neglected and there have not been enough funds to keep up with the interesting parts of its developments. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Where community meets arts Submitted by Zoraida, NorthWest chicago When I moved from Puerto Rico to Chicago almost 20 years ago, the stables were a magnificent "outdated" German Castle that everybody admired and talked about it, but for years no one did anything with it. Later on, a group of community leaders started a process to renovate the place, but it got burned. Then came IPRAC and alderman Billy Ocasio. They dreamed about all the wonderful possibilities that this outstanding building could contribute to our community. Eemerging as a juxtaposition of the European architecture and the warmth sensibilities of the Puerto Rican culture, it will be the link between all the people the have been part of the history of Humboldt Park. Comments (2) \| Comment on this story
	This renaissance benefits all of Chicago Submitted by Ricky, Humboldt Park The restoration of the Old Horse stables into the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture benefits not only Humboldt Park, or Puerto Ricans but all of Chicago. Why you might ask? It opens the door for many, to experience a new culture, and understand a different people, who they would otherwise not. It creates real economic development for the City of Chicago by bringing another national museum and locally by assisting the community, that has protected this architecturally beautiful building and gave it meaning to it when for everyone else it had no meaning. It is a shining example out of how a community can build itself from within. This building gives a National and City-wide face to what would otherwise continue to be a misunderstood Humboldt Park Puerto Rican community. This I believe gives it more significance that just architecture, because it's preservation is assisting in preserving an entire community of people. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	A Beautiful Chicago Historic Landmark Submitted by Gilbert Mendoza, Chicago NorthWest side I'm so happy that this building will finally be put to good use. It has been sitting vacant for so long, and now it will be a place were the community can come and enjoy it. Every time I'm in the area, I can't help but stop, and admire the beautiful architecture of this building! Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	An underappreciated building and neighborhood Submitted by Angie, River West I'm not Puerto Rican and I don't live in Humboldt Park, and unfortunately, few people who don't fit in those categories know what a gem this park is and how beautiful the buildings in and around the park could be. I'd love to see this building restored and utilized for Humboldt Park residents and the Puerto Rican community, and I hope everyone in the city takes the time some sunny Saturday or Sunday afternoon to sample great Puerto Rican food from the park vendors and stroll the winding paths of Humboldt Park. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	Urban Castle Submitted by Janeida, Paseo Boricua, Humboldt Park I remember as a child calling the stables a castle. I would make up this vivid stories of being the Princess of my community and having my (imaginary) backyard be the gathering place for a community of families who venture out on weekends to go camping and enjoy the art and scenery outside of their communities. But there should be somewhere in their very backyards that offers future generations that same enchantment and beauty. Please give back to our community so that families can enjoy their very own Urban Castle. Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	A Place Where we will Enjoy the Beautiful Parts of Life Submitted by Mirta, Chicago I came here when I was 18 years old, from Puerto Rico. They're doing a wonderful thing with the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture. It will be something we all can take pride in, participate in and contribute to in whatever way we can. It's what the community needs , a place where we will enjoy the beautiful parts of life, like art and music and dance. - Mirta Ramirez, Humboldt Park Resident Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	A Vibrant Part of the Community Submitted by Jane, Chicago The Humboldt Park Stables are truly a magnificent example of architectural history. Sometimes as I drive by on my way to work, I envision what a vibrant part of the community these stables represented in years past and how wonderful it would be to see them restored to serve the community again as a cultural center. The stables have such a rich history and the location itself is in beautiful Humboldt Park. I'm very grateful for IPRAC's commitment to restore this historical gem and provide this community a venue for cultural activities. - Jane Hannon, Friend of IPRAC Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	A Symbol of Hope and Celebration Submitted by Neyda, New York When I think of home, The Humboldt Park Stables stand out prominently in my mind. This landmark space by Frommann & Jensen, the original architects, has always captured the hearts and minds of community residents, as a symbol of hope and celebration. When a fire almost destroyed the building in 1992, the community envisioned a restored facility because it is viewed as an integral part of our local history and culture. Today, IPRAC's progress to transform the stables into an arts and cultural institution is a much-needed step towards preserving the structure's rich architectural and multicultural history. - Neyda Martinez, IPRAC National Advisory Board Comments (0) \| Comment on this story
	One-of-a-kind Arts and Cultural Center Submitted by Billy, City of Chicago The historic Humboldt Park Stables are culturally significant to our city and are vitally important to Chicago's Puerto Rican community. The stables are a preservationists' dream. I'm thrilled that an area once used as a dumping ground is now poised to become a one-of-a-kind arts and cultural center for all to enjoy. The Institute of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture is emphasizing the historic significance of the building and creating the perfect home for this much-needed institution. IPRAC will be a place where people will gather, learn and be inspired. - Alderman Billy Ocasio, 26th Ward Comments (3) \| Comment on this story