By now, you've probably heard about the ruckus going down about Maxwell Street. I've only heard the fundamentals about the situation, but from what I gather, UIC is trying to tear down a bunch of buildings on and around Maxwell street to make way for new university buildings, parking lots, dorms and shops.
The problem the Maxwell Street Historic Preservation Coalition has with this is that UIC plans to demolish dozens of buildings, keep a only a few, and restore a couple others to be kept as facades. What I don't understand is what the Coalition is trying to accomplish. Could they be hoping that all the buildings would be preserved? Do they truly believe that Maxwell Street can survive America's rampant replacementist commercialism? I hope not, for if this is true they are sadly deluding themselves. It was only a matter of time before a bigger fish came by and swallowed Maxwell Street up, and it could be much worse than just a university.
Now, I don't know how many of you have actually ventured down to Maxwell Street, but I must say it is not pleasant to look at. The buildings, historical or not, are decrepit and falling apart. The streets and sidewalks are in pitiful condition as are most of the shops. Even the famous Maxwell street market, which is a blast but capable of culture shock for us college students, moved out of there years ago.
Maybe I'm missing a big piece of the puzzle. This is what I understand so far: UIC, an institute of higher learning, is planning to replace and renovate a teetering neighborhood of rusting commercialism and considerable cultural significance. Neighbors in the Maxwell street region should be glad that UIC is planning to clean up that area, instead of wanting to preserve its crumbling locale. The only thing real significance Maxwell Street has is the distinction of being the birthplace of blues. That isn't in danger of being demolished.
According to the Coalition's web page (http://www.openair.org/maxwell/facade1.html),"tourists don't want to see facades…they flock to places…that are authentic." Then why do so many tourists head out to Navy Pier, a shining façade of hyper-commercialism? It's simple. As much as people are somewhat interested in their history and heritage, they will always be almost always be distracted by something shiny and new. That is a sad truth about our culture. The Maxwell Street Coalition is going to have to accept and adapt their strategy to deal with if they are going to preserve anything.
I would also argue that people generally don't want to be face-to-face with history, much less a history as tarnished as America's. The average person wants to see it behind thick glass at a museum and read the caption, or see a 2-minute blip on the news, and think "Oh, that's too bad," and be done with it. Do you think the average middle-income resident in Schaumburg is going to be kept up nights worrying about Maxwell Street? I'm afraid not.
The simple fact of the matter is this: gentrification happens. Sometimes, most times, it's not a pretty thing. It's sad that a region as culturally rich as Maxwell Street has been targeted, but rarely can it be stopped. Instead of fighting what looks to be a wasteful, losing battle against the university, the Maxwell Street Coalition should be channeling their energies into getting funding for a museum or preservation hall so that the neighborhood's history isn't completely forgotten.
What do you think? Mail me
© 1998 Chris Campbell. All rights reserved.
