Elizabeth and Hunter Case envisioned a joyful life in their Old Town home, picturing family gatherings and cherished traditions. Their expectations shifted dramatically when unforeseen issues arose with their neighbor’s property, the historic Wacker House.
Over the years, the Wacker House has faced unauthorized alterations threatening its historical integrity and neighbors’ safety. Built over 150 years ago, it holds both local and national heritage designations. Despite these protections, neighbors like the Cases have witnessed illegal work overwhelming the structure. Such activities have triggered inspections, stop orders, and complaints involving city departments and federal officials.
For the Cases, the struggle transcended preservation efforts. Construction infringed on property lines, deeply impacting their lives. Around the start of construction three years ago, their daughter suffered lead poisoning. The family alleges that improperly removed lead paint from next door caused the exposure.
The couple’s pleas to halt construction met with indifference. Despite efforts, including advocacy from preservationists like the Old Town Triangle Association, the work persisted. The property’s owner, Michael Gancarz, listed in foreclosure and unresponsive, compounded frustrations.
Choosing Old Town for its charm, the Cases valued the history embodied by their home and neighborhood. Settled in the 1850s by German immigrants, historic figures like Frederick Wacker contributed to its legacy. The current Wacker House structure replaced the original, lost to the Great Chicago Fire. It stands in a landmarked district recognized nationally as well.
The Cases initially maintained an amicable relationship with their neighbors. By 2022, renovation activities started, concerning the couple about pollution from apparent paint removal. Concrete evidence surfaced when their daughter, then just over a year old, showed elevated lead levels according to the CDC standards. Inspectors confirmed hazards on both the Cases’ property and the Wacker House.
With mounting frustrations, the Cases took actions including moving temporarily, having their property cleaned, and an independent lead inspection linking the hazards to the neighbor’s construction. Despite the city’s stop work order, unauthorized work continued unabated.
Failed communications and continued risks led the Cases to resort to a legal cease-and-desist letter. While the city issued stop work orders and attempted interventions, inspectors were prevented from entering the historic property.
“You love your children so much,” Elizabeth expressed, emotionally conveying her feelings during the ordeal.
While city departments handle complaints within bureaucratic constraints, agencies face cooperation challenges hindering enforced compliance. Despite investigations by various bodies like the EPA, progress remains limited.
Community groups like the Old Town Triangle Association continue calling for preservation enforcement. The association’s efforts alongside public outcry recently prompted renewed city enforcement actions through legal channels.
The Cases remain cautious, managing concerns of potential litigation complexities due to the neighbor’s foreclosure. Yet, their focus remains caring for their children, safeguarding their home, and fostering a thriving environment.
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