(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago preservationists are concerned that the federal government is inching toward the destruction of two historic buildings downtown, now that the feds have set a demolition date of next week for a smaller building in the same block.
The structures are the Century Building from 1915 and the Consumers Building from 1913.
Ward Miller of Preservation Chicago says $52 million has been earmarked for their demolition.
"Removing these buildings will create a huge gap, a scar on State Street,” he said.
And now Miller is afraid the feds are moving ahead with demolition plans.
"They assured us no demolition was going to occur to the Century and Consumers buildings, and suddenly there's an earmark to demolish them,” he said.
The two buildings are right by the Dirksen Federal Building, and some have said demolition of the buildings around the Dirksen is necessary for security.
Miller says those two buildings could be repurposed. Instead, he said, the government has let them deteriorate since taking over ownership 17 years ago.
Related
Listen to our new podcast Courier Pigeon
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram