Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1944 [PAGE 453]

EXTRACTED TEXT FROM PAGE:

45°

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

[July 28

I request approval of this procedure and appropriation of the sum of $328,000 appropriated by the General Assembly for this purpose.

Mr. Morey commented on this item. On motion of Mr. Jensen, the procedure was approved as recommended; the appropriation was made, by the following vote: Aye, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Davis, Mr. Jensen. SECOND SESSION, JULY 28, 1943 When the Board convened (in executive session) after the recess on July 28, the members and officers enumerated on page 435 above were present; also Dr. Luken, member of the Board, and Mr. N. M. Farr.

UAND FOR MEDICAU CENTER DISTRICT AND FOR AIRPORT

Mr. Farr reported orally on the purchase of land for the Medical Center District and for the University airport as follows:

1. Medical District, 1840 Taylor Street. This property was bid in at a tax sale in 1942; the mortgage has been purchased at a discount and possession could be taken by assignment. T h e property is not worth more than the taxes and mortgage, but the owner might bring suit for damages if the building were demolished. Recommended foreclosure and suggested letter to Mr. Havens covering procedure in wrecking building. Recommended that alley be closed by city ordinance, which should be written by an expert in this matter. 2. Property in block bounded by Wood, Polk, Taylor, and Hermitage streets, Chicago. Recommended purchase of three lots (1749, 1751, 1753, with buildings) facing on Polk Street at $22,000 and vacant property at the corner of Taylor and Hermitage streets at an estimated total cost of $8,500, of which $3,500 is payable at this time. 3. Reported change in location of airport to meet requirements of U. S. Army, to cover a mile square composed of one quarter each of sections 2, 3, 10, and 11 instead of section 2 entire plus eighty-acre strips in 3 and 11. Also reported purchase of 169.29 acres from Mrs. Kimmel at $300 an acre. This land is not in the new site, but it may be used in trading. Requested confirmation of his action, which had to be closed on July 15.

On motion of Mr. Davis, the retaining of the legal services of the firm of Chapman and Cutler to act for the University in acquiring land for the airport was authorized. Mr. Davis reported also on the interviews with authorities in Washington on July 15, that the Army wants immediate action, will use the field if it conforms to their specifications, and will exercise eminent domain if necessary. On motion of Mr. Nickell, the action of Mr. Farr in executing contract for the Kimmel property was approved and confirmed, the change in site of the airport to meet Army requirements was authorized, and the state appropriation of $250,000 for the purchase of the land was appropriated for the purpose, by the following vote: Aye, Mr. Davis, Mr. Fornof, Mr. Jensen, Mr. Livingston, Dr. Luken, Mr. Nickell. On motion of Mr. Fornof, the revision of the program for the purchase of property in Chicago was approved, by the following vote: Aye, Mr. Davis, Mr. Fornof, Mr. Jensen, Mr. Livingston, Dr. Luken, Mr. Nickell. On motion of Mr. Davis, the employment of Mr. Amos H. Watts of the firm of Chapman and Cutler in foreclosure proceedings and to