Loyola University begins demolition of 100-year-old Rogers Park building

Neighbors failed to obtain landmark status to save the structure, which housed apartments and small businesses.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Demolition has begun on a 100-year-old building in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood, despite efforts by local activists to save the structure. Loyola University purchased the building in 2023, which included apartments and small businesses like Archie's Café. Neighbors petitioned with Preservation Chicago to obtain landmark status for the building, but were unsuccessful.

Why it matters

The demolition of this historic building highlights the ongoing tension between preserving community character and the expansion plans of large institutions like Loyola University. While the university claims its facilities projects are thoughtfully planned, the loss of this 100-year-old structure is seen by some as prioritizing the university's needs over the neighborhood's heritage.

The details

Loyola University began demolishing the walls of the 100-year-old building on Loyola Avenue near Sheridan. The building housed apartments and small businesses, including Archie's Café. Neighbors had petitioned with Preservation Chicago to try to obtain landmark status for the structure, but were unsuccessful in preventing its demolition after Loyola purchased the property in 2023.

  • Loyola University purchased the building in 2023.
  • Demolition of the 100-year-old building began on February 25, 2026.

The players

Loyola University

A private Catholic university located in Chicago, Illinois.

Preservation Chicago

A non-profit organization dedicated to preserving historic buildings and neighborhoods in Chicago.

Archie's Café

A small business that was located in the 100-year-old building before its demolition.

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The takeaway

This demolition highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing the needs and expansion plans of large institutions like Loyola University with the desire to preserve historic community character and buildings. The failure to obtain landmark status for the 100-year-old structure raises questions about the power dynamics between universities and local neighborhoods.