The South Shore Country Club and the Proposed Demolition:             A Turning Point That Sparked the Voice of the People
  • Home
  • Background
    • The Chicago Black Belt >
      • Restricted Covenants
    • Managed Integration
  • The End of an Era
    • Movers and Shakers
  • The Proposed Demolition
    • Tactics of the Coalition >
      • Resolution
      • Employment
    • The Affect on the Neighborhood
    • Cultural and Recreational Activities >
      • Jazz Come Home
  • Conclusion
    • Present Day
  • References
Picture
Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection

Picture
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama lying on a bench at their wedding reception at the South Shore Cultural Center
www.daringdevoted.com

     After the South Shore Country Club closed in 1974, the South Shore Center on the Lake was formed with the intention of preserving the Club building.  Three years later, the Chicago Park District proposed the demolition of the main clubhouse, thus creating a turning point and starting an immediate revolt.  


     The Coalition to Save the South Shore Country Club Park emerged from over 16 different organizations, all with the same goal in mind.  They persistently fought to save the main clubhouse building so that it would be here as it is today. Soon after, the Chicago Park District made a public announcement that they would not be demolishing the Country Club building.  It was evident that the saving of the Club building had a positive effect on the community.  Not only was an employment burden eased in South Shore, but property values increased, development plans went into action, and culture based recreational activities were brought to the neighborhood.  


     By 1985, the South Shore Country Club building had been reopened yet again with slight conflict between the Coalition and government officials.  Despite the conflict, the Coalition was able to accomplish their goals that they had set out to reach in 1977.  Now called 'The South Shore Cultural Center', the Center offers an array of activities for the community as it was intended to by the Coalition.  The building is now open to everyone regardless of race or religion.

Interview with Andrea Adams, South Shore Cultural Center Park Supervisor

Student Materials
The South Shore Country Club and the Proposed Demolition: A Turning Point That Sparked the Voice of the People by Eva Lewis, Junior Division