(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Preservationists are one step closer in their efforts to get special status for a church near United Center that is considered a symbol of Chicago's architectural history.
The Chicago Landmarks Commission has granted preliminary landmark status to the Greater Union Baptist Church on Warren Boulevard near Damen Avenue. It was built in 1886.
The move is designed to protect unique features of the church, including its facade of brick and terra-cotta, as well as its stained-glass windows.
Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, says it also honors the architect who designed the church, William Le Baron Jenney. Jenney is much better known as the "father of the skyscraper,” he said.
The Chicago City Council would have to approve permanent landmark status for the church.
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