(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The shuttered St. Adalbert's Church in Pilsen has been granted preliminary landmark status, which will preserve the building’s exterior.
But that is far from the end of the fight to save the church revered by Polish and Latino residents.
Richard Tolliver was among members of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks who unanimously voted Monday to grant the protective status. But he has questions about what may happen later, given that other Chicago churches have received it only to sit empty and become eyesores.
Bonnie McDonald, president and CEO of Landmarks Illinois, acknowledges it's a big job to attract developers. But benefits and grants that can come along with landmarking make such properties attractive.
“The landmark status can be very beneficial, and in perpetuity it helps to ensure that our communities hold on to the places that are significant to them,” she said.
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