Letter: Activism can influence local decisions

Regarding the June 7 article "Chicago firm drops controversial plan to redevelop Baxter campus near Deerfield," Bridge Industrial's decision to withdraw its application in the face of local opposition illustrates the power of local voices to change outcomes for special places in their communities. The overwhelming opposition to Bridge's proposal means that the Baxter International Campus, a significant work of midcentury design by influential architecture firm SOM, has been spared from the wrecking ball.

This reprieve is an opportunity to imagine a different future for the Baxter International Campus. We hope that the Village of Deerfield, Baxter International and other stakeholders can work together to find a solution that reuses this architectural gem and is more in line with the wishes of the surrounding community.

As Illinois's statewide preservation nonprofit, Landmarks Illinois has championed the adaptive reuse of many historic buildings.

We are confident that the existing buildings on the Baxter International Campus can find new uses that make sense for Deerfield and adjacent neighborhoods.

Kendra Parzen, Landmarks Illinois Advocacy Manager

Chicago