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 Street
Early Warning Signs - 115th and Michigan
Early Warning Signs - 1015 E. 82nd Street
Early 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....
THREATENED: Loss of Chicago’s two-, three- and four-flats Reduces Affordable Housing
"Already disappearing before COVID-19, Chicago’s two-, three- and four-flats, long seen as sources of affordable homeownership and rental opportunities, may emerge from the pandemic with an identity crisis.
"The uncertainty of the past two years could alter some of the signature benefits for renters as landlords change their management style...
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....
THREATENED: Peterson Avenue Midcentury Modern District, A 2022 Chicago 7 Most Endangered
Peterson Avenue Midcentury Modern District
Peterson Avenue between Pulaski and Oakley
Various architects
c.1950 to c.1970
Overview
The Peterson Avenue Midcentury Modern District extends over approximately a two-mile distance that stretches from North Park to West Ridge. Consisting mostly of low-rise structures that today house dentist and doctor offices, dry cleaners, schools, and even...
THREATENED: St. Martin de Tours Church, A 2022 Chicago 7 Most Endangered
St. Martin de Tours / St. Martin de Porres / Chicago Embassy Church,
1895, Henry J. Schlacks, 5848 S. Princeton Ave.
Overview
For nearly 130 years, St. Martin Church, a striking Gothic structure with a soaring steeple, has been a visual landmark on the South Side of Chicago. Designed by renowned ecclesial architect...
THREATENED: Public Housing Sites; Altgeld Gardens Commercial, Cabrini Rowhouses, Lathrop Homes South Campus A 2022 Chicago 7 Most Endangered
2603-2601 N. Leavitt Street, c.2022. Deferred Maintenance and neglect four years AFTER CHA relocated all residents to North Campus. Lathrop Homes South Campus, 1938, South of Diversey Avenue, between Damen Avenue on the east and the North Branch of the Chicago River on the west. Photo Credit: Adam Natenshon...
THREATENED: The Century and Consumers Buildings: A 2022 Chicago 7 Most Endangered
Century Building
1915, Holabird and Roche, 202 S. State Street
Consumers Building
1913, Jenney, Mundie & Jensen, 220 S. State Street
Overview
Preservation Chicago has long been concerned about the deferred maintenance, vacancy and deteriorating condition of the Century and Consumers Buildings, fronting State Street, Adams Street and Quincy Court, in the heart of...
THREATENED: Alums Launch Effort to Landmark and Restore Chicago Vocational High School
"In Avalon Park on the South Side, a massive structure sits, evoking memories of bright futures and immense pride. Nicknamed 'the Palace,' Chicago Vocational High School’s regal architecture and grand size seemed to fit the buzz about the place, former students say. Alums included Bears great Dick Butkus and...
THREATENED: “The Most Beautiful Candy Factory in America” to be Closed
"Mars Wrigley is closing a nearly century-old chocolate plant on Chicago’s West Side once hailed as the most beautiful candy factory in America.
"Built in a Spanish-style architecture in 1928, the sprawling plant in the Galewood neighborhood bordering Oak Park employs about 280 workers and will be phased out over...
THREATENED: Cornell Store & Flats Sold But Future Plans Uncertain (Chicago 7 2017 & 2021)
"A treasured but decrepit Prairie Style building on 75th Street that has been on the market for some time may soon have a new owner, although it’s not known whether that portends a better future for the building.
"Built in 1908, the Cornell Store & Flats was the work of...
THREATENED: ‘Concrete or Limestone’ Question Remains Unanswered for Promontory Point Despite Earmarking of Federal Infrastructure Funds (Chicago 7 2006)
"Projects to protect Chicago’s 'fragile' lakefront from the impacts of climate change and invasive species will receive millions of dollars in federal funding. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ General Reevaluation Report — an upcoming study of lakefront protection needs across Chicago — is among the projects supported by...
THREATENED: Avalon Regal Theater is Stable, but Needs Significant Funding Support To Continue Restoration Efforts (Chicago 7 2012)
Driven by dreams but strapped for cash, owner strives to restore Avalon Regal Theater; Jerald Gary has been the landmark building’s steward, but he needs reinforcements to bring the onetime center for African American performers back to glory, David Roeder, Chicago Sun-Times, 9/20/21
WIN: Alums Launch Effort to Landmark and Restore Chicago Vocational High School
"In Avalon Park on the South Side, a massive structure sits, evoking memories of bright futures and immense pride. Nicknamed 'the Palace,' Chicago Vocational High School’s regal architecture and grand size seemed to fit the buzz about the place, former students say. Alums included Bears great Dick Butkus and...
THREATENED: Archway Standard Oil Station, North Fedral Savings Building, and Stanley Tigerman Walgreens Threatened By New Development
"Developers who are planning to overhaul several properties in Old Town, including the site of the old Treasure Island Grocery Store, have launched an interactive website where people can submit feedback on the project.
"The website is hosted through coUrbanize, an online platform that aims to make civic participation more...
PETITION: Designate Chicago Vocational School (CVS) a Historic Landmark
"Chicago Vocational School is located at 2100 East 87th Street on Chicago’s south side in Avalon Park. The South Side is the largest of the City’s three sides.
"Chicago Vocational School (CVS) was constructed in 1938 and sits on a 27-acre campus with two contributing structures bordered by 87th Street,...
THREATENED: Neighborhood Effort Fails to Prevent Closure of Our Lady of Victory Church, But Advocacy Continues (Chicago 7 2021)
"After 115 years, the oldest Catholic parish on the Far Northwest Side will hold its last Mass this weekend — but neighbors hope it won’t be the last time they’ll be inside the historical building.
"The Our Lady of Victory Church, 5212 W. Agatite Ave., which was founded in 1906...
URGENTLY THREATENED: Developer Moves Forward with Plan to Demolish Cenacle Sisters Building Complex and Subdivide for Huge Single Family Homes
"A religious order quietly sold the Lincoln Park building it has owned since the mid-1960s to a developer, who plans to build on one portion of the site and sell off the rest as eight house lots suited for new homes of as much as 15,000 square feet. The...
THREATENED: Save the Thompson Center Petition Generates Over 20,000 Signatures (Chicago 7 2016, 2018, 2019 & 2020)
“Governor Pritzker has the opportunity, after years of neglect by his predecessors, to lead through the sale of the Thompson Center by giving it new life.
"Repurposing the building the right way could go beyond what the building ever was, making it better, more public, and a place where you...
THREATENED: Despite Nearly 2,000 Petition Signatures to Save It, Demolition Looming for Lake View State Bank
"3179 N Clark St on the corner of Belmont and Clark in Lake View is currently threatened to be demolished. This historic bank building was originally the Lake View State Bank and later the Belmont National Bank. This bank building has been in our community since its completion in...
THREATENED: TimeLine Theatre Decides to Scrap Reebie Building Historic Façade
"TimeLine Theatre Company is moving forward with its relocation from Lakeview to Uptown, where it plans to overhaul a warehouse into a modern theater and arts center, according to renderings released this week.
"TimeLine unveiled its plans for the space Monday, more than two years after it bought the building...
THREATENED: After 98 Years in Business, Southport Lanes Contents To Be Auctioned Off
"Southport Lanes is ready to auction off all of its belongings, including the sign hanging over the entrance, bowling lanes and the 99-year-old bar surface, after efforts to bring the Lakeview business into a second century fell short.
"The bar, restaurant and bowling alley at 3325 N. Southport Ave. is...
THREATENED: Don’t Destroy Promontory Point!
"For over 20 years, the South Side community has worked to save Promontory Point’s limestone revetment from being demolished and replaced with concrete.
"In 2002, the Chicago Park District (CPD) and the City (CDOT) put forward a 'concrete/compromise' design that would have demolished the limestone revetment, replaced it with concrete,...
THREATENED: Jackson Park Road Widening and Tree Cut For OPC Begins While Lawsuit Is Considered by Federal Court
"Protect Our Parks — now suing the city, federal agencies, the Chicago Park District and the Obama Foundation to block construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park in favor of a site of their choosing in Washington Park — is asking the federal district court to block...
THREATENED: Last Mass for Bronzeville’s Corpus Christi Church Before Permanent Closure (Chicago 7 2021)
"Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church was built for the ages. Built in 1916 on the southwest corner of 49th Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, the Italian Renaissance revival-styled limestone church is a study in permanence — a rock that has weathered the Great Depression and decades...
THREATENED: Chicago Sun-Times Op-Ed: Modernist building’s slated demolition exposes weaknesses in Chicago’s landmark laws
"The building’s official address on Fullerton Parkway is a parking lot, so odds are you’ve never really noticed the beautiful structure on Cleveland Avenue, set half a block back. But take a closer look: Some of the loveliest brickwork you’ll ever see in Chicago forms the 1967 Cenacle Sisters...
THREATENED: Precedent for Reversing Landmark Status Remains Problematic Despite Old Town Stable Development Comprise Offer
"A plan to change the zoning of a former horse stable and its neighboring buildings in the Old Town Triangle to limit what developers can build there was approved by a key city panel on Tuesday.
"The rezoning ordinance approved by the city’s Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards...
THREATENED: “I want to save a historic Chicago home. I’m up against developers who would rather raze it.”
"When I pulled the creaky front door shut, the bungalow’s weathered door knob popped off in my hand. I ran my fingers over its grooves. It felt heavy in my palm as I weighed the fate of this historic home in Avondale.
"The old house needed significant work, but it...
Ward Miller radio interview regarding the Thompson Center and the tragic loss of famed architect Helmut Jahn
"Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, joins Anna to talk about the importance of preserving the Thompson Center and the tragic death of famed architect Helmut Jahn."
Hear the interview at WGN Radio 720 (8 Min)
Preservation Chicago’s Ward Miller: ‘The Thompson Center is a remarkable work of art and architecture...
Chicago Patch: It’s ‘Insane’ Chicago Isn’t The Sweet Home Of A Blues Museum
Roger Stolle, a blues-loving promoter, tourism director and owner of Cat Head Delta Blues and Folk Art shop in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Photo: Credit: Mark Konkol / Chicago Patch
"Driving south on Blues Highway from Memphis, it's difficult not to remember that the miles of cotton fields once were harvested by...
Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University: Patterns of Lost 2 to 4 Unit Buildings in Chicago
"The 2 to 4 unit housing stock plays a unique and critical role in Chicago’s overall housing supply by providing affordable rental housing, homeownership, and wealth-building opportunities. More than any other type of rental housing in Chicago, 2 to 4 unit properties are the most likely to offer lower-cost...
PlaceEconomics: Missing Middle Housing: A Micro-Analysis from Andersonville, Chicago
"Last week, as I was walking around my Andersonville neighborhood in Chicago, I noticed the above scene. These three buildings–a 3-unit apartment building built in 1909, a 5-unit apartment building built c. 1966, and a 3-unit condominium building built in 2018–sit right next to each other. At PlaceEconomics, we...
SUN-TIMES EDITORIAL: An Early Movie Palace in North Lawndale Deserves Landmark Status (Chicago 7 2012)
"The Chicago Theatre turned 100 years old last week, which is a milestone worth celebrating, given the venue narrowly dodged demolition to become a cornerstone of the downtown live theater district. With the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., motion picture theater owners Balaban & Katz and their architects,...
THREATENED: Final Mass Held at St. Michael the Archangel Church Before Being Closed by Archdiocese of Chicago
"Sitting at the corner of 82nd Street and South Shore Drive for more than a century, thousands of footsteps into St. Michael the Archangel Parish are fading into history as a final mass was celebrated Sunday before the venerable building is closed.
"'It’s amazing structure, really the cathedral of South...
THREATENED: Wayman AME Church for Sale Again as Land
"A historical church that for decades served residents of the now-demolished Cabrini-Green public housing towers is back on the market more than three years after its congregation struck a deal to sell the site for redevelopment.
"The Wayman African Methodist Episcopal Church parcel, 2.72 acres on Elm Street, was listed...
Chicago Tribune: Remembering the Standard Club, which lived large, then passed quietly
"While Chicago was on COVID-19 lockdown, the Standard Club folded without the sendoff due a bastion of high society. There was neither a black-tie banquet nor a final masked ball at the exclusive 151-year-old club. A band didn’t play 'Auld Lang Syne' on May 1, 2020.
"Yet chapters in Chicago...
WBEZ Chicago: What’s That Building? The Tenth Church of Christ, Scientist: A former church in Hyde Park commands attention
"As a child growing up in Hyde Park, Rivka Hozinsky watched people coming and going from the Tenth Church of Christ, Scientist a building that commanded attention among a block of historical houses and one-flats. But today, the sanctuary sits empty and crumbling. So Hozinsky asked RESET: 'What’s...
THREATENED: Permits Issued for OPC Construction in Jackson Park
"After landing its first batch of construction permits, Chicago's upcoming Obama Presidential Center is one step closer to breaking ground in Jackson Park. On Monday, July 26, 2021 the city issued a trio of permits for foundation work at the addresses 6011, 6021, and 6101 S. Stoney Island Avenue....