Calling every one of you who cares about Chicago Architecture: As Demolition looms, battle to save Bertrand Goldberg's Prentice Hospital ramps up and needs your support

At a SOAR public forum last week,  Northwestern's representative made clear that the only use they intend to consider for Bertrand Goldberg's iconic Prentice Hospital is as a pile of rubble.   As the 60-day moratorium negotiated by 42nd ward Brendan Reilly is set to expire, the battle to save the building ramps up.  Blair Kamin has slammed the Commission on Chicago Landmarks as MIA on the most contentious - and critical - landmark battles, something we've been writing about for years, and will write about again next week.

Now, the Save Prentice Coalition has launched a petition drive to demonstrate support for saving the hospital.  Check out the petition and sign here.   The petition urges Ald.Reilly to move forward with designating Prentice as an official Chicago landmark, something the Landmarks Commission hasn't listed a finger to do.  Reilly's ward office can also be reached via phone (312.642.4242) or email.  

And finally, there's the June 6th Bowling for Prentice benefit at 10 Pin, in another unprotected Bertrand Goldberg landmark,  Marina City.  5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

$35 for Adults, includes 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, gourmet pizza buffet and soft drinks. A cash bar will be available. Proceeds will support the Save Prentice advocacy campaign.

Like the Adler and Sullivan's Garrick Theater and Chicago Stock Exchange buildings, this is one of the most critical preservation battles in the city's history.  To avoid the same disastrous result as those battles - to Chicago, it's architectural legacy, and the character of the city - this is the time to step up. Do a little bowling, a little shouting.  Sign the petition, and urge others to do so, as well.  Make your voice heard against those who would destroy our history just because they can.