Destruction Of Historic Landmarks In Chicago

A Chicago Tribune investigation finds 500 more potential landmarks razed in Chicago's neighborhoods.

1 minute read

April 25, 2003, 10:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"The surprise destruction of the farmhouse was far from an isolated incident. The Walker home was one of hundreds of structures that city officials recognized as valuable, but then tore down -- or permitted to be torn down -- anyway. A Tribune computer analysis and investigation shows that the problem, which has devastated the character of Chicago's neighborhoods, is much worse than previously known... The latest research has found another 500 demolished structures, bringing the total to 704, or 4 percent of the buildings on the survey. Nearly two-thirds of the historic buildings have been replaced by vacant lots and parking lots, a trend that is typical in poor districts such as the Near West Side."

Thanks to ArchNewsNow

Friday, April 25, 2003 in The Chicago Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Floor-to-ceiling rotating gates at Fairmount subway station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Crime Continues to Drop on Philly, San Francisco Transit Systems

SEPTA and BART both saw significant declines in violent crime in the first quarter of 2025.

15 minutes ago - Mass Transit

South LA Wetlands Park in Los Angeles, California.

How South LA Green Spaces Power Community Health and Hope

Green spaces like South L.A. Wetlands Park are helping South Los Angeles residents promote healthy lifestyles, build community, and advocate for improvements that reflect local needs in historically underserved neighborhoods.

1 hour ago - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Intersection in downtown Sacramento, California with neoclassical building with columns on left.

Sacramento Plans ‘Quick-Build’ Road Safety Projects

The city wants to accelerate small-scale safety improvements that use low-cost equipment to make an impact at dangerous intersections.

2 hours ago - The Sacramento Bee