Wright Trust names new president

The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust named Chris Taylor its new President and CEO. He will begin the job in mid-October. (Provided)

The end of summer is proving to be a busy time for news on the housing side of Oak Park. After a nation-wide search, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust announced its new president and CEO.

Chris Taylor will take the reins at the trust in mid-October. He comes to the trust with over 25 years of experience leading mission-driven arts and cultural organizations. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture and a bachelor’s in religious studies from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he also holds a Master of Arts Administration and Policy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

In a written statement provided by the trust, Taylors says, “It’s an honor to lead the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust at a pivotal moment in its history. Frank Lloyd Wright talked about a house being built of the hill, not on the hill. He was talking about sustainable design long before it was fashionable. That way of thinking has something to say about how we build and live now and into the future. My job, along with a dedicated group of staff and volunteers, is to make sure the trust sets the stage so people can experience Wright’s legacy firsthand.”

Under long-time President and CEO Celeste Adams, the trust began a fundraising effort, which is on-going, for its new Learning Center on Chicago Avenue in Oak Park.

Open hearings on abolishing single-family zoning

In an effort to increase “missing middle” housing Oak Park’s village board is engaged with consulting firm Opticos Design to consider a plan which would remove single-family zoning from the village. On July 28, the village board voted to refer the “Shape Oak Park” zoning proposal to the Plan Commission.

The proposal can be found online here: https://engageoakpark.com/shape

The board is holding community listening sessions on the following dates:

Sept. 14 at the CRC 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Sept. 19 at the Farmers Market 10 a.m. to noon
Sept. 19 at the Oak Park Public Library main branch 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Sept. 20 at the Oak Park Conservatory 10 a.m. to noon
Sept. 20 at Brookdale Senior Living Oak Park 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Sept. 24 Virtual session

More details on information sessions can be found at the Engage Oak Park website: https://engageoakpark.com/shape/widgets/108543/key_dates

Nominations open for community awards

Is there a particular block in the village that is aesthetically pleasing? A storefront or two-flat that has a welcoming façade? Have you noticed an amazing renovation or restoration of one of the historic buildings in your neighborhood? Nominations for Cavalcade of Pride and Historic Preservation Awards are now open.

The Cavalcade of Pride Awards are given to properties that enhance the beauty, character and vibrancy of Oak Park. Thoughtfully maintained homes, apartment buildings, storefronts and commercial spaces that contribute a sense of pride to residents and visitors can be nominated here:

https://www.oak-park.us/Community/Neighborhood-Partnerships/Neighborhood-Partnerships-Awards

Requirements for consideration include:

Property must be located within the Village of Oak Park.
Eligible properties include single-family residential, multi-family residential, commercial and non-residential/non-commercial (i.e. church) properties.
Properties may be nominated by property owners, residents, tenants, customers or community members.
Self-nominations are permitted.
Properties that have received a Cavalcade of Pride Award within the previous three years are not eligible.
Property owner consent may be required prior to recognition.

Historic Preservation Award nominations are also open. Single-family homes, apartment buildings, commercial buildings, religious structures and public/institutional buildings may be nominated for awards in the following categories: restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive use and additions/new construction. Additional awards will be presented for stewardship, detail and design.

Projects should have been created within the past five years and must be located in Oak Park. Projects do not have to be in an historic district. Interior work may be considered in conjunction with exterior work.

The nomination form is on the village’s link to the Historic Preservation Commission and can be found here: https://www.oak-park.us/Government/Citizen-Boards-and-Commissions/Historic-Preservation/Historic-Preservation-Awards

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