Lathrop 1 we have recieved reports that the homes are on National Registery

Calling all CHA Officer's need to report for duty.

For more than six years, residents, preservationists and community advocates have been pushing to save the Lathrop Homes from demolition and to rehabilitate the public housing complex.

Their efforts got a boost Monday when state officials announced that the site has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

"I am so happy about this," said Mildred Pagan, a Lathrop resident who also serves as vice president of the local advisory council. "We have been fighting for so long. We want the buildings to stay. It would be better to preserve this place than to build brand new."

The listing does not automatically preserve Lathrop's collection of low-rise brick buildings and ample green space, officials said. But it makes the site eligible for federal tax credits and financial incentives. The designation also triggers a review by state historic preservation officials if federal or state funds are used to demolish the site.

The Chicago Housing Authority said it would continue to work with state historic preservation officials, but it stopped short of committing to save all of Lathrop's distinctive architecture.

Built in the 1930s, Lathrop Homes were once celebrated because of their vibrant mix of residents, rich history and ornamental touches rarely found in public housing. Lathrop Homes were designed by architects like Robert S. DeGolyer and Hugh M.G. Garden, who were out of work because of the Great Depression.

In recent years, the 925-unit complex has become a battleground over the CHA's plan to transform the homes into a mixed-income development. As of January, 170 units in the complex were occupied.

Residents at Lathrop, neighbors and community activists don't want the complex razed like so many CHA properties that have been demolished, but would prefer to see the property restored.

Despite the uncertainty, preservationists were pleased with the announcement by the Illinois State Historic Preservation Agency.

"Lathrop is a very unique complex," said Jonathan Fine, executive director of Preservation Chicago. "It's really an idyllic complex, and for that reason alone, it should be preserved."

Although the complex has become run-down, it still features brick archways that lead into parks, playground and public areas.