Regarding the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Section 106 Review of
Building a Korean Cultural Center of Chicago Presentation Hall

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has offered the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago, in Wheeling, Illinois, an Infrastructure and Capacity Building grant (CHA-274472) to renovate and expand their existing facility to create the “Korean Cultural Center of Chicago Presentation Hall”.

NEH is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities.  This public notice is issued as part of NEH’s responsibilities under 36 C.F.R. Part 800, the regulations which implement Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, 16 U.S.C. § 470.  NEH, a funding agency, is required by regulation to identify and assess the effects of any proposed actions on historic properties.  If any proposed action will have an adverse effect on historic resources, NEH works with the appropriate parties to seek ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse effects.  Additionally, the Section 106 regulations require NEH to consider the views of the public on preservation issues when making final decisions that affect historic properties.

The proposed undertaking involves demolition of the building located at 9930 Capital Dr., Wheeling, IL 60090, and construction of a new facility. The proposed project will accommodate the current and future needs of the organization and create a presentation center, support future programmatic and institutional growth and strengthen the organization’s position as the region’s leading destination for those interested in learning about the Korean experience in America.

On December 1, 2022, Carey L. Mayer, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, provided the opinion that the proposed project will have no effect on historic properties. Subsequently, NEH has determined that the project will have no effect on historic properties.

As required by Section 106, NEH is providing the public with information about this project, as well as an opportunity to comment on any knowledge of, or concerns with, historic properties in the proposed project area, and issues relating to the project’s potential effects on historic properties.  Comments may be submitted to the NEH by e-mail to FPO@neh.gov.  The deadline for submitting comments is December 27, 2022.