Demolition of the the Michael Reese Hospital Serum Center, alternately known as the Levinson Building and Michael Reese Research Foundation, commenced today, November 16th.  One of the South Side’s most important buildings, the Gropius in Chicago Coalition is appalled and ashamed to report this disgraceful act of cultural robbery.

It is nearly impossible to overstate the importance of the Serum Center, which was designed by Walter Gropius and Norman Fletcher of TAC with Chicago architects A. Epstein and Sons.  It represents one of the fullest and most extraordinary of Gropius’s contributions to Chicago. 

At the moment, however, we are nearly speechless, having come upon and witnessed this unbridled act of barbarity.   A suitable necrology will be crafted as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Chicago - and the world - is being robbed of a masterpiece by its own stupidity.

The Citadel of Waste

© Grahm M. Balkany / Gropius in Chicago Coalition 

Devil’s Cradle

The understated, yet commanding, entry pavilion and donor’s wing of the Serum Center is seen just beyond the devil’s clutch.
© Grahm M. Balkany / Gropius in Chicago Coalition 

Dance of the Valkyries

The noble Serum Center, once blossoming with life-saving innovations, has now itself been slain by the evil that grips Chicago.
© Grahm M. Balkany / Gropius in Chicago Coalition

 The Fat Cats

Heneghan Wrecking employees sit back and collect their millions. Demolition is more lucrative in Chicago than the art of architecture.
© Grahm M. Balkany / Gropius in Chicago Coalition