“In order to rise from its own ashes, a phoenix first must burn.” —Octavia Butler
There have been many quotes about the phoenix rising from the ashes, symbolizing rebirth from destruction. Chicago has had two major phoenix moments. The Great Fire of 1871 burned the city, but it quickly rose from the ashes to become the Second City. I recently saw the second great rebirth. The Sears Roebuck headquarters was, for decades, the largest marketing giant in the world, and for another several decades, a vacant eyesore.
The westside headquarters of the late Sears, which preceded the Sears Tower (okay, Willis Tower), was once the 800-pound gorilla in the West Lawndale neighborhood. An estimated 40 to 55 acres housed the administrative offices, the warehouse, and the location where the famous Sears catalog was printed. The Christmas catalog was a dream book for kids!
Once Sears moved downtown and then to Hoffman Estates, the old facility was abandoned. Since the 1990’s, the site has been a phoenix. Now, there are over 600 new mixed-income single homes and duplexes, and hundreds of rental apartments. In addition, there is a Technology and Learning Center, a YMCA, and a school, Holy Family Ministries, that prepares children from pre-school to 8th grade for admission to the best high schools in the metropolitan area. (hfm.org)
The complex was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1978. And, in 1992, a nonprofit partnership organized by former Sears management began to redevelop the site, now dubbed Homan Square. I had only been to the old complex once, and it was in decline. To see the new Homan Square was a surprise.
The 14-story tower, built in 1906, and refurbished in 2015, was reopened to the public, and now houses nonprofit groups and offices. The Sears Roebuck plaque is still visible on top of the building.
As we start the New Year, it is nice to reflect on how Sears—the marketing giant—added to Chicago’s success and how its Homan Avenue site rose from the ashes into a new, vibrant community.
