CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The arch that has welcomed visitors to the Little Village neighborhood for more than 30 years has received preliminary landmark designation.
Alderman George Cardenas, 12th Ward, called the two-story high, pink clay-tile roofed arch in the 3100 block of West 26th Street a symbol of hope for the Mexican community of Little Village. It includes a clock that was a gift from Mexico’s president.
His comments came moments before the Commission on Chicago Landmarks voted unanimously Thursday to give the Little Village Arch, designed by architect Adrian Lozano, preliminary landmark status; marking the first time an architect of Mexican descent has had a structure get landmark status in Chicago.
"This shines a light in so many ways, you saw the presentation, of the vibrancy of our community and what it means to us, what it means to the Mexican community to have something like that," Cardenas said.
According to Department of Planning and Development officials, the Little Village Arch also becomes the first iconic symbol of the Latino community in Chicago to be landmarked.
Alderman Cardenas added that the arch is a source of pride for the community.
"The arch is in need of some love and so I’m working with CDOT, not just to do the assessment, but also to come up with a maintenance plan and also a funding of that maintenance," he said.
Architect Adrian Lozano also contributed to the designs of Benito Juarez High School and the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen.
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