Woods Automotive building set to be demolished

[plymouthcranbrook]

Once again a builder I have never before heard of is in the news as it’s history is about to be lost. At least the physical part. I am sure some of you know of the company but new to me even though I had driven on the South Michigan Ave. area where it is located a number of years ago.

 

https://www.aol.com/m/64b0c052-0fef-3268-8895-ca1d5805efc8/south-loop-had-a-hybrid-car.html

Edited December 1, 2023 by plymouthcranbrook (see edit history)

[TAKerry]

This building doesnt look too bad. Some that are shown for demo are def. way past their prime and ready to come down. Like some old cars, renovation would far exceed value. In the case of this structure the outside looks solid and looks like its being used currently or at least recently. It would cost a small fortune just to put up the shell at this point. Interior renovation is a given with a 100 year plus bldg. Chicago has some great structures of all types. Would be a shame to see this one go.

[Paul Dobbin]

Looks like a great building for about 30+ Loft Apartment/Condo dwellings, if it's structurally sound,   A good place for some of the people working in the high rise next door to live.

[rocketraider]

Does appear to have good bones and would be criminal to demolish it.

 

The trouble with historic designation is it severely limits what can be done with a building, and that's why developers try to buy property and keep their plans under the radar before the historians realize what's being done. A sad reality.

[alsancle]

There are three or four known woods dual power cars in existence. Or at least known to me. Very cool and interesting technology for the time.

[TAKerry]

On 12/1/2023 at 1:55 PM, rocketraider said:

Does appear to have good bones and would be criminal to demolish it.

 

The trouble with historic designation is it severely limits what can be done with a building, and that's why developers try to buy property and keep their plans under the radar before the historians realize what's being done. A sad reality.

One of the things we do is historic renovation work. I replaced the doors only on the 1940's addition to one of the oldest church buildings in the state. Took well over a year to get permission to do so!!

[Terry Harper]

Then there is the whole issue with bringing the building into code compliance when there is a change of use (industrial to residential, mixed occupancy etc.) that kicks it out of being grandfathered.