flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Chicago's 7 most endangered properties

Reconstruction & Renovation

Chicago's 7 most endangered properties

Preservation Chicago released its annual list of historic buildings that are at risk of being demolished or falling into decay.


By BD+C Staff | March 5, 2015
Chicago's 7 most endangered properties

The Illinois Institute of Technology's Main Building is among the city buildings at the highest risk of being lost to demolition or decay, according to the group Preservation Chicago. All photos provided by Ward Miller of Preservation Chicago

Each year, Preservation Chicago publishes a list of the city buildings that are at the highest risk of being lost to demolition or decay. According to DNA Info, the organization unveiled its list on the 178th anniversary of Chicago's incorporation as a city. 

"These are irreplaceable buildings that define our neighborhoods," said Ward Miller, Executive Director of Preservation Chicago.

The buildings named on the list are:

  • The South Side Masonic Temple: Located at 6400 S. Green Street, the Masonic temple was built in 1921. Throughout its years, it served as a popular destination for fraternal meetings and community events in Englewood. The building features Egyptian, Moorish, and Art Deco influences.
  • The Agudas Achim North Shore Synagogue: "The last great Chicago synagogue" is located at 5029 N. Kenmore Avenue and was built in 1922. It boasts Romanesque Revival, Art Deco, and Spanish influences. It's currently listed for sale and has worried Preservation Chicago that it may be demolished by developers.
  • Clarendon Park Community Center: Uptown's local community center was built in 1916 for beachgoers. It sits at 4501 N. Clarendon Street and has fallen victim to water filtration and other building code issues.
  • A. Finkl & Sons: The Lincoln Park steel plant is up for a major redevelopment, although Preservation Chicago is concerned the renovations may not include the historic buildings that are already standing on the riverfront.
  • Illinois Institute of Technology: The Main Building at 3300 S. Federal Street was built in 1893 with funds from Chicago meatpacking baron Philip Armour. While the higher education institution has restored many other buildings designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, this one has not and is being offered to developers.
  • Pioneer Arcade: Once a 1920s bowling and billiards venue, the arcade at 1535 N. Pulaski Road has been empty since the mid-2000s. The building's facade is known as one of the city's best examples of 1920s Spanish colonial revival style and was designed by Jens Jensen. It's neighbor, the New Apollo Theater, also made Preservation Chicago's list. 
  • Neon signs: Located throughout the city, there are many old-school neon signs that bring back memories of how businesses approached advertising from the 1930s to the 1960s. 

 

Englewood's South Side Masonic Temple

 

The Agudas Achim North Shore Synagogue on Kenmore Avenue

 

Clarendon Park Community Center in Uptown

 

Illinois Institute of Technology

 

Pioneer Arcade at 1535 N. Pulaski Road

 

Some of Chicago's neon signs

 

Related Stories

Office Buildings | Jul 12, 2022

Miami office tower nears completion, topping off at 55 stories

In Miami, construction of OKO Group and Cain International’s 830 Brickell office tower is nearing completion.

University Buildings | Jul 11, 2022

Student life design impacts campus wellness

As interior designers, we have the opportunity and responsibility to help students achieve deeper levels of engagement in their learning, social involvement, and personal growth on college campuses.

Museums | Jul 11, 2022

Denmark opens a museum that tells the stories of refugees worldwide

Located on the site of Denmark’s largest World War II refugee camp, the new Refugee Museum of Denmark, FLUGT, tells the stories of refugees from the camp as well as refugees worldwide. 

Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2022

Inefficient supply chains, outdated project delivery systems hamper construction investment

Constructing and justifying the cost of physical assets such as a manufacturing plant is much more difficult than it was decades ago, according to a report by Steffen Fuchs, senior partner with McKinsey & Company.

Airports | Jul 8, 2022

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport’s new terminal prioritizes passenger experience and sustainability

McCarthy Building Companies recently completed construction of the final concourse in Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Architects | Jul 7, 2022

Page acquires AE giant EYP to form 1,300-person international design firm

The combined firm will “be able to invest in research and thought leadership to co-create with our clients,” stated Page CEO Thomas McCarthy.

Building Team | Jul 7, 2022

Report explores improving architect/contractor relationship

A new study by the American Institute of Architects and the Associated General Contractors of America focuses on improving the relationship between architects and contractors.

Airports | Jul 7, 2022

Love at first flight: The power of first impressions in airports

As architects, how we design a terminal and choreograph the passenger experience can stir up strong feelings.

Building Team | Jul 7, 2022

Amenity-rich rental property in Chicago includes seven-story atrium with vertical landscaping

The recently opened 198-unit Optima Lakeview luxury rental apartment building in Chicago is bursting with amenities such as the region’s first year-round rooftop pool, contact-free in-home package delivery, housekeeping services, on-site room service, fitness programming, and a virtual personal assistant.

Multifamily Housing | Jul 6, 2022

The power of contextual housing development

Creating urban villages and vibrant communities starts with a better understanding of place, writes LPA's Matthew Porreca. 

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021