Preliminary Landmark Status Approved for Byrne Hall

The historic DePaul University building meets multiple criteria for landmark designation in Chicago.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Commission on Chicago Landmarks has approved a preliminary landmark recommendation for Byrne Hall, the first building of DePaul University. Built in 1907, the structure has served as a community and religious center for over a century and embodies the architectural style and fire safety innovations of the time.

Why it matters

Byrne Hall's designation as a landmark would protect the historic building from demolition or major alteration, preserving an important piece of DePaul University and the Lincoln Park community's history.

The details

Byrne Hall meets several criteria for landmark status, including its historical significance as the birthplace of DePaul University, its exemplary Italian Renaissance Revival architecture designed by notable architect J.E.O. Pridmore, and its role in advancing fire safety standards in Chicago after the Iroquois Theatre disaster.

  • The Commission on Chicago Landmarks approved the preliminary landmark recommendation on March 12, 2026.
  • Byrne Hall was built in 1907 to replace DePaul University's first building on the site.

The players

Byrne Hall

A historic building located at 2219 N. Kenmore Ave. in Chicago, which served as the first building of DePaul University.

Commission on Chicago Landmarks

The government body responsible for evaluating and recommending landmark designations in the city of Chicago.

J.E.O. Pridmore

A British-American architect known for his theater and residential designs, as well as his advocacy for improved fire safety measures in Chicago following the Iroquois Theatre disaster.

DePaul University

A private Catholic university that was founded in 1898 and originally housed in Byrne Hall, its first dedicated educational building.

St. Vincent de Paul congregation

The religious organization that established the original Vincentian building on the site, which was later converted into an educational facility and eventually replaced by Byrne Hall.

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What’s next

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks will now approve a final landmark recommendation before sending the proposed designation to the Committee on Zoning and full City Council for final approval.

The takeaway

The preliminary landmark designation of Byrne Hall recognizes the building's historical significance as the birthplace of DePaul University, its architectural merit, and its role in advancing fire safety standards in Chicago, ensuring the preservation of this important piece of the city's history.