Over two years have passed since the Harper Square Cooperative in Kenwood suffered a calamitous fire, which resulted in the displacement of about 140 residents and the tragic loss of one life, 81-year-old Ora Chiles. Residents who have been longing to return to their apartments since January 2023, still face uncertainty about the building's safety, particularly its lack of a sprinkler system. According to a report by the Chicago Sun-Times, some residents only began moving back in December, while others remain anxious about their future in a building considered inadequately equipped in the event of another fire.
As the residents gathered to voice their concerns and experiences from the past two years, the issue of the building's fire preparedness was at the forefront. Erik Hoffer, executive director of the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board, emphasized the gravity of the situation by noting that Chicago houses over 600 high-rise residential buildings that lack full sprinkler protection, a situation that led to at least 17 fires in 2023 alone. "We have seen far too much death, more than we should ever see, especially when we have the answer," Hoffer said in a statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Despite these fears, Ken and Rita Harris, residents for over four decades, continue to express a longing to return to their home at Harper Square. "This is my home, and I would hope that we’re doing everything to protect us, but I’m not willing to give up Harper’s Square. After 40 years, we want to go back," Rita Harris conveyed in a report by WGN-TV.
In the aftermath of the fire, some residents faced frequent relocations and financial challenges, such as insurance issues, because of their displacement. A statement by Realty and Mortgage Co., the firm that manages Harper Square, was not forthcoming, leaving residents without information or stipends to help alleviate their predicament. Arthur Slater, the president of the cooperative, confirmed that the building lacks a sprinkler system but mentioned that it has other fire prevention measures in place, without giving details on what those measures entail. Slater, however, did state that the building currently meets all fire codes, as per WGN-TV.
