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Help us save and restore the Klas Building in Cicero

An incredible caring committee of Czech community leaders have formed a new 501c3 for the purpose of purchasing and restoring the Klas Building back to its original historic state.

Established in 1922, Klas remained a Czech and Slovak restaurant, bar and venue for a variety of events until 2016 when its doors closed permanently. Generations of Czechs, Slovaks and people from the Berwyn/Cicero community held weddings, funerals, rock concerts, and more. Nearly every Czech President, Czech Diplomats and US officials have all been at Klas for a local Czech celebration. Adolf Klas built this building in several phases importing the authentic European décor, paintings and murals. The stained glass windows were custom designed to depict the glorious life of the Czech and Slovak people. The building also has a two bedroom apartment that was used to host Czech visitors who were performing in Chicago, and interior beer garden. Most recently, on May 5, 2021, Landmarks Illinois added the Klas Building to it list of “Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois.”

The Klas Building is in extreme disrepair and needs complete renovation including its structure, mechanical, electric, plumbing, kitchen, ADA compliancy, and all interior renovation. Over the years of neglect, it took on extensive damage and much of the original Czech/Slovak décor was ripped out including the original stained glass. Our goal is to raise the funds necessary to make Klas a 501c3 operating pillar of activity for the Czech, Slovak and Cicero Community that will include a restaurant, bar, event space and museum. The entire restoration will cost three million dollars which we need to raise with your support. The fundraising will be in three phases.

Phase I: Goal $500K – Purchase of the building and securing the roof so that no further damage can be done.

Phase II: Mechanical, electric, plumbing, kitchen and bathrooms, opening the bar.

Phase III: Interior renovations

This project is important to the Czech and Slovak people because of its history and it is important to the people of Chicagoland for maintaining the diverse culture of the neighborhood. It is our responsibility to preserve our culture and history for generations to come. For many years, Chicago had the largest population of Czechs living outside of the Czech Republic. Klas is the last building built by Czechs that can be saved in its historic state as a museum for people to visit and experience a part of Chicago’s history.

Please help us make this a reality.

We look forward to enjoying a meal or a good Czech beer with you soon!

Nazdar!