'The Castle' Awarded Grant For Repairs

CHICAGO — The Givins Castle has received thousands of dollars in grant money to help fund the repairs needed to keep perhaps the Beverly neighborhood's most recognizable landmark in tact. The castle, which has been home to the Beverly Unitarian Church since the 1940's, was awarded a $240,000 grant as one of four projects approved by the city of Chicago's Citywide Adopt-a-Landmark Fund this week, the Department of Planning and Development said in a news release.

The grant, which is still conditional on the city's approval of the project's final scope, budget and financing agreement, would support the rebuilding of the castle's turrets and associated roof and masonry work.

At last check, back in March, a committee organized to save the city's only castle was seeking to raise $400,000 to make the needed repairs possible.

Other projects approved this week as part of the fund are at the On Leong Merchants Association, 2212 S. Wentworth Ave.; Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral and Rectory, 1121 N. Leavitt St. and Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church, 2610 N. Kedzie Ave.

“Each of these buildings have played a historic role in the development of their respective neighborhoods, and their thoughtful rehabilitation will ensure they remain community anchors for future generations,” Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Maurice L. Cox, a member of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, said.

RELATED: Help Needed To Save Chicago's Only Castle