The historic three-story corner building at the corner of State and Elm Streets on the Gold Coast has been demolished. This brown brick building with ornamented, arched windows was built in the early 20th century. Located at 1139 N. State, this desirable and attractive 14,000 square foot building was occupied by RA Sushi on the ground floor with apartments on the second and third floors.
To avoid an upzoning process, the new development is a three-story building marketed for a multi-story restaurant. The plan received Plan Commission approval under Chicago’s Lakefront Protection Ordinance in April 2018. Despite extensive advocacy outreach efforts by Preservation Chicago to the developer, alderman and community, even a partial preservation success proved impossible.
The Gold Coast has been experiencing intense redevelopment pressure and highly stable and successful historic buildings will continue to be threatened by demolition unless they can be protected by a Chicago Landmark District. To the end, Preservation Chicago has been working to create a “Gold Coast Chicago Landmark District,” which will include historic research on the buildings of the proposed historic district and both advocacy and outreach to the community.
Additional Reading
20-story Fulton Market apartment tower headed to Plan Commission, Jay Koziarz, Curbed Chicago, 4/4/18
Gold Coast building for sale as redevelopment, Ryan Ori, 3/21/16