IL SR0298

Urges Congress to establish the Pullman Historic District on Chicago's southeast side (east of Cottage Grove Avenue, from East 103rd to East 115th Street) as a National Historical Park, or alternatively calls on President Barack Obama to designate it as a National Monument.

Recognizes Pullman as an important model industrial town central to the nation's urban planning, labor, transportation, architectural, and African-American history, including its role in establishing the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first African-American labor union.

Notes the Clock Tower Administration Building and Factory and Hotel Florence are already state-owned and maintained by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, with over $26 million invested in the Pullman State Historic Site for acquisition and stabilization.

States that national park designation would capitalize on existing state and federal investments, attract tourism (with national parks generating $31 billion annually for local economies), and provide enhanced interpretive and educational programs for the community.

Directs copies of the resolution be sent to Governor Pat Quinn, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Senators Richard Durbin and Mark Kirk, the Illinois congressional delegation, National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis, and President Barack Obama.