Back
Other

Preservation Chicago Releases 2026 List of Most Endangered Structures

Generated on: Last updated: 1 sources
View source

Preservation Chicago Releases 2026 Most Endangered Structures List

Preservation Chicago has released its annual list of the city's eight most endangered structures for 2026. The nonprofit organization, which advocates for local architecture, has issued this list since 2003 to highlight buildings and structures facing demolition or neglect.

According to Ward Miller, Preservation Chicago's executive director, these sites are architecturally, historically, and culturally significant to Chicago neighborhoods. The purpose of the list is to raise awareness among residents, city officials, and stakeholders to facilitate repair and preservation efforts.

Endangered Structures on the 2026 List

The 2026 list includes:

  • The Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room and McKinlock Court at The Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan Ave.): The Art Institute is considering demolishing these spaces as part of expansion plans. The Trading Room, designed by Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan, was reconstructed at the Art Institute in 1976-1977 using salvaged sections of the original 1893-1894 Chicago Stock Exchange Building. McKinlock Court, constructed in 1924, features formal gardens and a sculpture.

  • Chicago River bridges and tender houses: Chicago possesses the world's largest collection of movable bascule bridges. Many of these structures, including their tender houses, require significant repair due to age. Preservation Chicago advocates for investment to maintain their function and historic appearance, requesting Chicago Landmark Designation.

  • St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church (310 E. 137th St.): Organized in 1886, the mid-century church structure was completed in 1957. The property, which includes seven buildings, has been vacant since 2011 and is deteriorating due to roof and window damage.

  • Chicago’s labor union halls: Chicago has a history of labor organizations establishing union halls, particularly on the Near West Side. Several of these halls are in need of repairs, listed for sale, or face demolition threats.

  • Chicago Loop Synagogue (16 S. Clark St.): Founded in 1929, this synagogue contains a stained-glass window by Abraham Rattner and a bronze sculpture by Henri Azaz. Membership has decreased, and recent boiler pipe bursts have added financial strain.

  • South Park Terrace Apartments (6116-6134 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive): Constructed in 1905 in the Prairie School style, these apartments were designed by Harry Hale Waterman. The building has deteriorated due to owner neglect, experienced a fire, and residents were recently ordered to vacate a portion of the structure.

  • Yukon Building (400 S. Clark St.): Designed by Holabird and Roche in 1898, this two-story building is recognized for its innovative design. Preservation Chicago expresses concern about its future due to recent vacancies.

  • St. Mark Roman Catholic Church Campus (2516 W. Cortez St.): This campus, serving Humboldt Park's Catholic community since the 1890s, includes a greystone rectory (1896), a red-brick school (1906), and a church (1963) with stained-glass windows by Gabriel Loire. The parish consolidated in 2021, and the campus closed and was listed for sale in 2022.