Chicago's Endangered Historic Treasures Spark Preservation Debate

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Chicago's rich architectural heritage is under threat, with Preservation Chicago's annual list of the city's most endangered buildings including not seven, but eight entries this year. The list features iconic structures like Pope Leo XIV's childhood church, St. Mary of the Assumption, and the relocated Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room at the Art Institute, as well as lesser-known gems like the Art Institute's McKinlock Court Garden. As the city grapples with preserving its past while building its future, the debate over what should be saved and what must be sacrificed for progress grows fiercer.

Why it matters

Chicago's architectural landmarks are not just buildings, but embodiments of the city's history and identity. Preserving these structures is crucial to maintaining the unique character and cultural heritage of the city. However, the tension between preservation and progress often leads to difficult decisions, as the city must balance the need to protect its past with the demands of modern development and growth.

The details

The list of endangered buildings includes a diverse array of structures, from the ornate Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room at the Art Institute to the crumbling bascule bridges that dot the city's landscape. The Art Institute's $75 million gift to create a new gallery building has raised concerns about the fate of the Trading Room, while the adjacent McKinlock Court Garden is also at risk. Meanwhile, the once-vibrant St. Mary of the Assumption Church, where Pope Leo XIV served as an altar boy, has fallen into disrepair, and the Amalgamated Meat Cutters Building, a symbol of Chicago's labor history, faces demolition.

• Preservation Chicago's annual list of the city's most endangered buildings was just released in 2026.
• The Art Institute's $75 million gift to create a new gallery building was announced recently.
• St. Mary of the Assumption Church has been vacant for 15 years.
• The Amalgamated Meat Cutters Building is currently facing demolition.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Art Institute will need to make a decision on the fate of the Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room and the McKinlock Court Garden as it moves forward with its expansion plans. Meanwhile, preservation groups and community members will continue to advocate for the restoration and adaptive reuse of other endangered structures across the city.