History
In 1914, John and Elizabeth Podmajersky, Slovak immigrants, settled in the Pilsen
East neighborhood and raised their family. Through hard work, they became the owners
of a dairy in the heart of this Eastern European port-of-entry. The first of their
properties was purchased to house the dairy, family members, and new immigrants
employed by the business. As the neighborhood grew, so did their business. They
began to purchase additional properties, and provided housing as well as employment
to many immigrants arriving from their homeland. By the late 1950’s the community
was in decline due to construction of a major highway and the resulting suburban
flight. Their son, John Podmajersky Jr., and his wife Annelies, returned to the
neighborhood with a goal to revitalize the once vibrant community through ambitious
urban design. They converted dilapidated buildings into artists’ lofts organized
around a series of urban gardens created from reclaimed alleyways. Artists came
in a steady flow, and their son, John Podmajersky III, purchased his first property
in Pilsen East in 1987. The third generation to live, work, and invest in the community,
he understood the pressures of a developing metropolitan area, and in 2002 launched
the Chicago Arts District (CAD) with the goal of creating a destination art community
and economic stability for artists looking to become entrepreneurs.
Overview
Through three generations of property assembly and private investment, the Chicago
Arts District now encompasses a number of contiguous blocks of creative space. Live
and work spaces, gallery, loft, studio, office, industrial, and exhibition space
are all offered by Podmajersky, Inc. The company is more than a property owner.
It is a steward of the neighborhood, voluntarily assuming responsibilities that
are typically the province of local government. During the last ten years, the Chicago
Arts District staff, working closely with the team at Podmajersky, Inc., has supported
more than 100 creative entrepreneurs in starting, growing, and marketing their art
businesses.
Supported by Podmajersky, Inc., the independent staff of CAD connects the public
with the neighborhood and its artists through programs and outreach. A monthly newsletter
and website showcase the work of its artists. Popular programs include the Pilsen
East Artists Open House, now in its 42nd year; 2nd Fridays Gallery Night, a monthly
collaborative opening of the thirty galleries of the Chicago Arts District; showPOD,
a public art project based on an installation format, as well as numerous special
events designed to connect people with an authentic art experience.
Vision
With a passion for infill development, urban planning, quality of life issues, and
sensitive design, John Podmajersky III holds a vision for the neighborhood. He sees
an outstanding pedestrian community, with the charm of the old world and the excitement
made possible by a vibrant multi-cultural city like Chicago.
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