(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — An historic building in the River North neighborhood is coming down to make way for redevelopment.
The three-and-a-half story brick and cast-iron building at the corner of Wells and Superior was built shortly after the Great Chicago Fire, more than a century and a half ago.
Ward Miller of Preservation Chicago says it's one that "got away."
“It was not caught in the Chicago historic resources survey as an orange or red building. And that allowed it to be demolished, which is really unfortunate because we need to update that 30 year old document.”
On Wednesday, wrecking crews tore down the building to make way for a new development.
“One building after the other. Sometimes I leave for a few months and I come back and then I can't even recognize the city anymore,” said David, who was walking by as crews worked and stopped to watch for a moment.
“It's just the saddest thing. You know, we got to do something, because otherwise it will be just another city completely before we know it.”
Demolition is expected to be complete by the end of August, according to Ald. Brendan Reilly (42).
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