The more than 100 properties that are owned by the Podmajersky family and comprise the Chicago Arts District are currently being disputed in two court cases. Since the 1950s, family patriarch John Podmajersky Jr. has bought up properties in east Pilsen that are primarily used as galleries, studios and living spaces for artists. In 2012, his son, John Podmajersky III, was ousted as the business manager when his parents filed a suit alleging that his take home pay had been far greater than was reported. Now, earlier this month, as reported by Crain’s, John III has filed a lawsuit accusing his younger sister, Lisa Podmajersky, of turning his parents against him in their business and the estate. Three months before his mother’s death, she adjusted her will from a 50-50 split for her children to promising seventy-five percent of her assets to her daughter. Neither John III nor Lisa have disclosed their plans to maintain or alter the family’s business. The Chicago Arts District in Pilsen houses many artist live/work spaces and exhibition venues. (Matt Morris)
