THREATENED: State Seeks to Unload Damen Silos
"Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to sell off an abandoned industrial site in Chicago best known as a backdrop for the 2014 Hollywood blockbuster 'Transformers: Age of Extinction.'"The state will accept bids this fall for Damen Silos at 2900 S. Damen Ave., along the South Branch of the Chicago River,...
THREATENED: 90-Day Demolition Delay List
The Demolition Delay Ordinance, adopted by City Council in 2003, establishes a hold of up to 90 days in the issuance of any demolition permit for certain historic buildings in order that the Department of Planning and Development can explore options, as appropriate, to preserve the building, including but...
THREATENED: Cook County Scavenger Sale Undermines South and West Side Housing Stock
"An extraordinary report from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas reveals what happens when government not only doesn’t get out of its own way, but instead adds to the poverty and inequity that has plagued Chicago and the south suburbs for decades."In essence, the report details how those neighborhoods never...
THREATENED: 209-227 S. State Street Listed For Sale and New Construction
"A big, empty building on State Street in the Loop is hitting the market again, a property that could attract interest from developers that want to tear it down and build a high-rise in its place."The Sterling Organization, the owner of the 112,000-square-foot building at 209-227 S. State St.,...
THREATENED: Pilsen Food Pantry’s Purchase Offer for former Holy Trinity Croatian Church Delayed as Archdiocese Appears to Wait for Higher Offer From Developer
"A food pantry in Pilsen has been operating out of a former church for the last two years."The founder is hoping to buy the building but says she is running into obstacles with the Chicago Archdiocese."For the last two years, the pantry has been operating out of a former...
THREATENED: Archdiocese Reveals Plans to Close The Shrine of Christ the King
"Woodlawn community organizers say public masses have been suspended at the Shrine of Christ the King Catholic Church, and they worry the Archdiocese of Chicago is planning to shutter the landmark."Mass and other sacraments at Shrine of Christ the King, 6401 S. Woodlawn Ave., were suspended on Monday, according...
THREATENED: Neighbors Prefer Preservation of St. Ignatius Over Loyola’s Plan for Demolition and New Construction
"In a recent town hall in the 49th Ward, Alderwoman Maria Hadden updated community members on the future of the closed St. Ignatius church located at 6559 N Glenwood Avenue in Rogers Park. The church was built in 1917 and designed by noted architect Henry J. Schlacks. Schlacks notably...
THREATENED: Outrage Over Unpermitted Demolition Work at St. Adalbert Church (Chicago 7 2014, 2016, 2019, 2021)
"Parishioners are vowing to stop the Archdiocese of Chicago from removing a beloved statue from a former Catholic church in Pilsen they fought to save."On Friday morning, about 16 former parishioners staged a protest outside St. Adalbert Church, 1650 W. 17th St. after Rosemarie Dominguez, a member of the...
THREATENED: Owner Neglect Accelerates Deterioration of Lake Street Schlitz Tied House
Preservation Chicago notified the City of Chicago regarding the shockingly deteriorated condition of the Lake Street on September 1, 2022. Excerpt below from letter submitted to the City of Chicago by Ward Miller, Executive Director of Preservation Chicago."We wanted to share this photo with you of the former Schlitz-Brewery...
THREATENED: ‘Monument with Standing Beast’ Sculpture to be Relocated
"One of Chicago’s iconic pieces of public art will be getting a new home."French artist Jean Dubuffet’s sculpture 'Monument with Standing Beast,' in place in front of the Thompson Center since the building opened in 1985, is moving to a different spot in the Loop."With the state of Illinois...
THREATENED: Golf Course Threat Looms Over South Shore Nature Sanctuary? (Chicago 7 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021)
"'It's amazing that there's like a space in Chicago where people can just come and visit nature,' said Amal, a rising senior at Disney II Magnet High School, as she looked across a pond in the South Shore Nature Sanctuary on July 16."That Saturday afternoon, she visited the sanctuary...
THREATENED: Bridgeport Restaurant Closing and Building Listed For Sale
"A Bridgeport staple near the home of the White Sox is closing next week, ending its long history serving diner classics and its famed corned beef sandwich on the South Side."Bridgeport Restaurant, 3500 S. Halsted St., will close June 30, owners Irais and Josie Rodriguez confirmed. They are trying...
THREATENED: Cook County Scavenger Sale Undermines South and West Side Housing Stock
"An extraordinary report from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas reveals what happens when government not only doesn’t get out of its own way, but instead adds to the poverty and inequity that has plagued Chicago and the south suburbs for decades."In essence, the report details how those neighborhoods never...
THREATENED: ‘Monument with Standing Beast’ Sculpture to be Relocated
"One of Chicago’s iconic pieces of public art will be getting a new home."French artist Jean Dubuffet’s sculpture 'Monument with Standing Beast,' in place in front of the Thompson Center since the building opened in 1985, is moving to a different spot in the Loop."With the state of Illinois...
THREATENED: Archdiocese Reveals Plans to Close The Shrine of Christ the King
"Woodlawn community organizers say public masses have been suspended at the Shrine of Christ the King Catholic Church, and they worry the Archdiocese of Chicago is planning to shutter the landmark."Mass and other sacraments at Shrine of Christ the King, 6401 S. Woodlawn Ave., were suspended on Monday, according...
THREATENED: Fundraising Challenges Delay Avalon Regal Theater Restoration and Reopening (Chicago 7 2012)
"The owner of a long-vacant, landmarked South Side theater needs millions to bring it back to life and pay off his tax debt — and now he’s partnering with a cryptocurrency company to raise money."The Avalon Regal Theater, 1641 E. 79th St. in South Shore, has been closed since...
THREATENED: With Flurry of Purchases, Latin School Now Owns Eight of 10 Properties on a Stretch of Dearborn Parkway
"The Latin School of Chicago bought an 1890s building on Dearborn Street, its fourth purchase on the same block in recent weeks, and says the $10 million group of buildings will remain on property tax rolls although the school’s other properties are tax-exempt."On May 25, the elite private school...
THREATENED: 90-Day Demolition Delay List
The Demolition Delay Ordinance, adopted by City Council in 2003, establishes a hold of up to 90 days in the issuance of any demolition permit for certain historic buildings in order that the Department of Planning and Development can explore options, as appropriate, to preserve the building, including but...
THREATENED: Despite Excessive Aldermanic Delays, Obsidian Collection Remains Committed to Palmer Mansion Restoration (Chicago 7 2019)
"A year after buying the Lu and Jorja Palmer mansion, the owner is still waiting to move forward with an ambitious renovation — and she blames Ald. Sophia King (4th) for the holdup."Bronzeville native Angela Ford took over the 133-year-old mansion at 3654 S. King Drive in April 2021...
THREATENED: Ald. Sigcho-Lopez Attempts to Downzone St. Adalbert Church But is Blocked by Mayor Lightfoot (Chicago 7 2014 & 2016)
"Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) has filed a complaint against Mayor Lori Lightfoot with the city inspector general’s office, accusing her of intervening in a zoning matter to favor the Archdiocese of Chicago over his constituents."On May 24, Sigcho-Lopez successfully got his long-sought plan to downzone St. Adalbert Church, 1650...
THREATENED: With Flurry of Purchases, Latin School Now Owns Eight of 10 Properties on a Stretch of Dearborn Parkway
"The Latin School of Chicago bought an 1890s building on Dearborn Street, its fourth purchase on the same block in recent weeks, and says the $10 million group of buildings will remain on property tax rolls although the school’s other properties are tax-exempt."On May 25, the elite private school...
Address: New Devon Theater / Assyrian American, 1618 W. Devon Ave., Rogers Park
#100946230
Date Received: 12/3/2021
Ward: 40th Ald. Andre Vasquez
Applicant: Alpine Demolition Services, LLC
Owner: Doris Eneamokwu
Permit Description: Opening of closed existing windows, install new window frame and glazing, repair existing glazed brick as needed (tuckpointing)
Status: Under review"As of September 2, 2021 it seems that the beautiful terra cotta face that has looked...
Address: 3920-3922 N. Lincoln Ave., Lake View
#100944882
Date Received: 02/23/2022
Ward: 47th Ald. Matt Martin
Applicant: Longford Design, Development + Construction C/O Brian Connolly
Owner: 3914 N. Lincoln
Permit Description: Demolition of a three-story masonry building.
Status: Released 05/24/2022
Address: 344-346 W. 65th St., Englewood
#100956171
Date Received: 03/14/2022
Ward: 20th Ald. Jeanette Taylor
Applicant: McDonagh Demolition, Inc.
Owner: City of Chicago
Permit Description: Emergency wreck and removal of a two-story, multiple-unit, masonry building per an Administrative Order dated October 20, 2021, deemed to be imminently dangerous to the public and in hazardous condition.
Status: Released 3/17/22
Address: 25251-5257 N. Kenmore Avenue, Edgewater
#100970529
Date Received: 05/12/2022
Ward: 48th Ald. Harry Osterman
Applicant: Heneghan Wrecking & Excavating Co., Inc.
Owner: LS 5251, LLC C/O Steve Ciaccio
Permit Description: Demolition of a one- and two-story masonry church building with a basement.
Status: Application withdrawn 05/17/2022
Owner Of Edgewater’s Epworth Church Withdraws Demolition Permit As Landmark Process Moves Forward; The buyer...
Address: 1325 W. Carmen Avenue, Andersonville
#100970938
Date Received: 05/17/2022
Ward: 47th Ald. Matt Martin
Applicant: Demox, Inc. C/O Vitalii Grygorashchujk
Owner: Jerald and Pamela Kreis
Permit Description: Wreck and removal of a 2-1/2 story frame residential building.
Status: Under review
Address: 2109 W. Wilson Ave., Ravenswood
#100958829
Date Received: 04/14/2022
Applicant: Moss Design, Inc.
Owner: Ellen Bradley
Permit Description: Partial demolition of a two-story, masonry residential building to accommodate a two-story side and rear addition.
Status: Under Review
THREATENED: Promontory Point – “It’s not just the limestone that people are trying to save, but the way it has come to be a part of the community’s life and nature.” (Chicago 7 2022)
"The waves of Lake Michigan crash below while the limestone rocks wait to emanate a warm, comforting feeling within students like senior Feya Epel. Feya has always enjoyed visiting the Point."'I love just sitting on either the rocks or trees behind the rocks and just drawing, staring out or...
THREATENED: Will Feds Reject New Adaptive Reuse Plan that Addresses Century and Consumers Buildings Security Concerns? (Chicago 7 2011, 2013 & 2022)
"Several historic buildings could pose a 'clear and present danger' to federal judges, jurors, witnesses and others who find themselves at the Dirksen Federal Building in downtown Chicago. That’s according to a memo chief judge Ruben Castillo sent in 2018 to the Attorney General asking him to block the...
THREATENED: Archive Center Reuse of Century and Consumers Buildings Would Address Security and Preservation (Chicago 7 2011, 2013 & 2022)
"Ward Miller, in a manner of speaking, is on a mission from God.
"Mind you, Miller does not claim an endorsement from the Almighty in the task before him as executive director of Preservation Chicago, a group that argues for the merit and reuse of our town’s architectural heritage. But...
THREATENED: 90-Day Demolition Delay List
The Demolition Delay Ordinance, adopted by City Council in 2003, establishes a hold of up to 90 days in the issuance of any demolition permit for certain historic buildings in order that the Department of Planning and Development can explore options, as appropriate, to preserve the building, including but...
Address: 344-346 W. 65th St., Englewood
#100956171
Date Received: 03/14/2022
Ward: 20th Ald. Jeanette Taylor
Applicant: McDonagh Demolition, Inc.
Owner: City of Chicago
Permit Description: Emergency wreck and removal of a two-story, multiple-unit, masonry building per an Administrative Order dated October 20, 2021, deemed to be imminently dangerous to the public and in hazardous condition.
Status: Released 3/17/22
Address: 2109 W. Wilson Ave., Ravenswood
#100958829
Date Received: 04/14/2022
Applicant: Moss Design, Inc.
Owner: Ellen Bradley
Permit Description: Partial demolition of a two-story, masonry residential building to accommodate a two-story side and rear addition.
Status: Under Review
THREATENED: Promontory Point – “It’s not just the limestone that people are trying to save, but the way it has come to be a part of the community’s life and nature.” (Chicago 7 2022)
"The waves of Lake Michigan crash below while the limestone rocks wait to emanate a warm, comforting feeling within students like senior Feya Epel. Feya has always enjoyed visiting the Point.
"'I love just sitting on either the rocks or trees behind the rocks and just drawing, staring out or...
THREATENED: Salvation Army Rehab Center and Store Permanently Closed Before Anticipated Sale (Chicago 7 2021)
"The Salvation Army has permanently closed its adult rehabilitation center and thrift store in River West, citing 'significant disruptions' caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The River West thrift store, 509 N. Union Ave., has long been a destination in the neighborhood for cheap furniture and clothing. The closure comes as...
THREATENED: 90-Day Demolition Delay List
The Demolition Delay Ordinance, adopted by City Council in 2003, establishes a hold of up to 90 days in the issuance of any demolition permit for certain historic buildings in order that the Department of Planning and Development can explore options, as appropriate, to preserve the building, including but...
THREATENED: Plans Emerge to Bulldoze South Shore Nature Sanctuary and 2k Old Growth Trees for Private Golf Course (Chicago 7 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021)
South Shore Nature Sanctuary. Photo Credit: Eric Allix Rogers"Local activists are pushing for a question to be added to this June’s election so residents can give more input on preserving trees that could be cleared to make way for a Tiger Woods-led proposal to overhaul two golf courses.
"The Save...
THREATENED: Early Warning Signs
Early Warning Signs - 2150 W. Monroe StreetEarly Warning Signs - 115th and MichiganEarly Warning Signs - 1015 E. 82nd StreetEarly Warning Signs - orange-rated Argyle-Clark Garage, 1919, Hall & Ostergren, 5006 N. Clark St.
THREATENED: Fire Engulfs Stickney School Building from 1903 by J.E.O. Pridmore
"A heavy fire broke out in a historical three-story building in Edgewater, leading to rescues and a large Fire Department response.
"The fire broke out around 1 p.m. Tuesday at 1054 W. Hollywood Ave., just east of the Red and Purple line tracks and just west of the northern end...
THREATENED: McPier Vetoes Casino Adaptive Reuse of Lakeside Center (Chicago 7 2016 & 2021)
"And then there were three.
"Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has narrowed down the city’s five proposals for its first casino to three finalists: Bally’s at the Chicago Tribune Publishing Center, Rivers at The 78 and Hard Rock at the proposed One Central megadevelopment, the city announced Tuesday.
"The three remaining bids...
THREATENED: Remnants of Decorative Art Deco Terrazzo Floor Discovered at Six-Corners
"Some Far Northwest Siders are hoping rediscovered remnants of an ornate entryway from an old Six Corners clothing store can be saved as a developer takes over the property.
"Last week, a local historian and explorer came across an old Art Deco terrazzo floor at 4035 N. Milwaukee Ave. It...
THREATENED: Will Feds Reject New Adaptive Reuse Plan that Addresses Security Concerns?
WATCH: Ward Miller interviewed by Ray Cortopassi on WGN 9 Chicago on April 6, 2022 regarding the fate of the Century and Consumers Buildings. Photo Credit: WGN 9 Chicago"Several historic buildings could pose a 'clear and present danger' to federal judges, jurors, witnesses and others who find themselves...
THREATENED: $52 Million Federal Funds Approved to Demolish Century and Consumers Buildings
"The federal government has held a pair of century-old State Street buildings in limbo for 17 years and is now planning to spend $52 million to demolish them — a plan preservationists are trying to stop.
"The buildings are the 22-story Consumers Building built in 1913 and, a few doors...
THREATENED: Portage Theater Makes Slow Progress, but Needs Significant City Support to Reopen (Chicago 7 2012)
"Repairs are inching forward on the long-closed Portage Theater, part of an ambitious, multi-million-dollar plan from its newest owner to revive the iconic venue.
"But owner Manuel Gliksberg said he has invested $1 million and navigated financial and legal difficulties, and he needs support from the city if he’s going...
THREATENED: Uncertain Future for Avalon / New Regal Theater (Chicago 7 2012)
"Anyone who’s taken on a building renovation and gotten in too deep can sympathize with Jerald Gary.
"He’s been in that situation to the extreme since at least 2014 when he got control of the Avalon Regal Theater, 1641 E. 79th St. The place is magnificent, a Chicago landmark for...
THREATENED: Petition Started to Landmark Our Lady Of Victory Church to Prevent Potential Demolition (Chicago 7 2021)
"A Northwest Side group wants a historical church that held its last mass last year to receive landmark status to prevent it from potentially being torn down."Our Lady of Victory, 5212 W. Agatite Ave., closed its parish as part of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Renew My Church consolidation plan....