Landmark status remains elusive for St. Adalbert Church; Zoning Committee postpones vote

Inside St. Adalbert Church
Scene of the last mass held at St. Adalbert's Catholic Church in 2019 Photo credit Rachel Pierson

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The Chicago City Council Zoning Committee has put off a decision on landmark status for the shuttered St. Adalbert Church in the Pilsen neighborhood.

This issue is largely about gentrification.

Landmark status for the 1914 church and other buildings would prevent redevelopment. It’s supported by Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez.

The Archdiocese is opposed.

“I don’t see why we can’t take some time and have cooler heads prevail, and let’s see how we can all come together, and let’s work together to find the solution,” Auxiliary Bishop Roberto Lombardo told the committee.

Sigcho-Lopez spoke at the meeting.

“I am the representative of my community, who has reelected me to represent them, who has elected me to preserve our community and social fabric,” Sigcho-Lopez said.

Generally, council members go along with the wishes of their colleagues regarding issues in their wards. Not this time.

The vote was 10-4 to side with the archdiocese and defer a decision.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Rachel Pierson