Chicago’s Architectural Treasures at Risk: From Pope Leo’s Childhood Church to Iconic Trading Rooms, the Battle to Save History Rages On
Chicago’s rich architectural heritage is under threat, and the stakes have never been higher. Preservation Chicago’s annual list of the city’s most endangered buildings has just dropped, and it’s a heart-wrenching reminder of how fragile our history can be. But here’s where it gets controversial: this year’s list includes not seven, but eight entries, sparking debates about what—and how much—we should fight to preserve. Is it overreach, or a necessary lifeline for structures that define our city’s soul?
Among the highlights are Pope Leo XIV’s childhood church, St. Mary of the Assumption, and the relocated Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room at the Art Institute. But this is the part most people miss: the list also includes the Art Institute’s McKinlock Court Garden, a serene oasis that could vanish under expansion plans. Should progress come at the cost of erasing these historic gems?
The Art Institute’s Dilemma: Expansion vs. Preservation
The Art Institute’s $75 million gift to create a new gallery building has set off alarms. While the museum pledges to find a new home for the Trading Room if displaced, Preservation Chicago fears the ornate space—with its stained-glass skylights and stenciled walls—may be lost forever. The adjacent McKinlock Court, a century-old garden with a replica of Carl Milles’ Fountain of the Tritons, is also at risk. Is there a way to balance growth with preserving these irreplaceable spaces?
Chicago’s Bridges: Beautiful Gateways in Disrepair
Chicago’s bascule bridges, the largest collection in the world, are more than just functional structures—they’re works of art. Yet, many are crumbling, their tender houses missing chunks of stone and intricate carvings. The LaSalle Street Bridge’s tender house is a stark example. Should these bridges be landmarked, or is it time to replace them with modern replicas?
Pope Leo’s Legacy: A Church in Need of Resurrection
St. Mary of the Assumption Church, where Pope Leo XIV once served as an altar boy, has been vacant for 15 years. Its roof is collapsing, and its history is fading. Preservation Chicago sees an opportunity to restore it as a pilgrimage site, but the question remains: Can a neighborhood struggling with disinvestment rally behind this ambitious vision?
Union Halls: Echoes of Chicago’s Labor Past
Chicago’s union halls, once symbols of worker solidarity, are disappearing. The Amalgamated Meat Cutters Building faces demolition, while others have been repurposed. Preservation Chicago suggests a thematic landmark designation to protect these structures. But is it enough to save them from the pressures of modern development?
The Chicago Loop Synagogue: A Midcentury Gem in Crisis
With membership down to 400 from its 1950s peak of 8,000, the Chicago Loop Synagogue is financially strained. A burst boiler pipe this winter added to its woes. Preservation Chicago proposes selling air rights for development to fund repairs. Is this a creative solution, or a compromise too far for a historic building?
South Park Terrace Apartments: A Prairie School Masterpiece in Peril
Designed by a Frank Lloyd Wright associate, these 1905 apartments are deteriorating. A recent fire forced residents out, leaving the building boarded up. Preservation Chicago wants it designated a landmark and restored as affordable housing. Can this be achieved without displacing current residents?
The Yukon Building: A Survivor of Old Chinatown
Once part of Chicago’s original Chinatown, the Yukon Building has outlasted massive Loop redevelopment. Now listed for sale, its future is uncertain. Should its modest yet enduring presence be celebrated, or is it time to make way for new growth?
St. Mark Roman Catholic Church: A Midcentury Modern Marvel
Closed in 2022, this 1963 church with its terrazzo floors and stained-glass windows by Gabriel Loire sits empty. Preservation Chicago envisions it as a community center or library. Is adaptive reuse the key to saving such spaces, or do they lose their essence in the process?
What do you think? As Chicago grapples with preserving its past while building its future, the debate grows fiercer. Should we fight to save every historic structure, or accept that some must be sacrificed for progress? Share your thoughts in the comments—this conversation needs your voice.
