(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A historic but shuttered Roman Catholic church has now been given full landmark status as redevelopment plans for the property surface.
The Commission on Chicago Landmarks voted unanimously to award landmark status to St. Adalbert's Church complex at 1650 West 17th Street in Pilsen. It had preliminary status before. The move will preserve the structures on the property.
The ornate, century-old structure was a Polish church in a neighborhood that's now predominately Hispanic, but both communities have embraced it. The Chicago Archdiocese closed St. Adalbert’s as part of a parish consolidation.
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, applauded the milestone for the building, saying it’s an opportunity for local residents to have a hand in deciding what they want to see it become.
A Miami company reportedly is interested in turning St. Adalbert's into an events venue for weddings, bar mitzvahs and other activities. Some former parishioners hope for more spiritual uses.
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