Last night 8/5/15 I attended the Unveiling of Plans for The Pullman National Monument. The meeting started with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) honoring eight organizations, known as the Pullman Partners. The groups received the award for their work to establish Chicago’s first national Monument which included: Bronzeville Historical Society, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, Historic Pullman Foundation, Pullman Arts, Pullman Civic Organization and the Pullman Wheelworks Residents.
These groups were enthusiastic and unwavering in commitment to get this job done. I was so impressed with how they worked together and none of this meeting was political! The plans (done in 6 months) were so exciting and told a story of Pullman.
The designation of Pullman National Monument was done with the work of these groups and statements to President Obama urging the national monument designation. Unlike the many project meetings I have attended there was no time waited on politics and people talking about themselves. These committed people and the Pullman neighborhood gave credit to ALL who worked in workshops. Engaging the public in discussions with the Chicago design community they created opportunities for enhancing the park visitor experience while leveraging the new national designation to advance important community development goals. I saw concrete ideas for the future of this important site and a way for the wonderful history of Pullman to be remembered and told for generations of national park visitors to come. Can you tell I enjoyed this meeting (which was less than an hour, Yes I said less than ONE hour!!!!)
The Pullman National Monument will be the must-see treasure of Chicago’s South Side.
C. Tucker
