DeKalb-Pond-Fisk Neighborhood Redevelopment Project Records
Scope and Contents
The DeKalb-Pond-Fisk Neighborhood Redevelopment Project records document the redevelopment of a deteriorated neighborhood through the cooperative efforts of the City Council, City staff, and the DeKalb/Pond/Fisk Block Group. The records are arranged chronologically and include proposals, maps, correspondence, memorandums, press releases, and histories of the development project.
Dates
- created: 1988-1993
- Other: Date acquired: 04/05/1999
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions on access to the collection.
Conditions Governing Use
Property rights in the collection belong to the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.
Biographical or Historical Information
The DeKalb-Pond-Fisk neighborhood covers approximately four acres and is situated about four blocks from the downtown business district. The neighborhood, known as “The Haish Flats,” was built circa 1904 with a mixture of single family homes and two story wooden apartment buildings. Built by Jacob Haish for his factory workers, “The Haish Flats” were assembled out of materials salvaged from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Overtime the neighborhood deteriorated. In an attempt to preserve the flats, because of their association with Haish and as examples of distinctive worker’s housing, a proposal was presented before the DeKalb Landmarks Commission. The Commission deemed the area unsuitable for landmark status and preservation was never widely supported.
Fortunately the area was located in a Tax Increment Finance district so monies were available for improvements. Through the cooperative efforts of City Council, City staff, and the DeKalb-Pond-Fisk Neighborhood Block, the area was redevelopment from a deteriorated neighborhood to a one of sound older homes, fourteen new single-family dwellings, and a children’s park.
Note written by
Extent
0.50 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement Note
The records are arranged chronologically.
Source of Acquisition
Helen Merritt
Method of Acquisition
Helen Merritt donated the records for the DeKalb-Pond-Fisk Neighborhood Redevelopment Project to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on April 5, 1999.
Geographic
Topical
Uniform Title
- Title
- Archon Finding Aid Title
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- eng
Repository Details
Part of the Northern Illinois University Repository
Founders Memorial Library
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb IL 60115 US
815-753-9392
rhcua@niu.edu