Endangered zone

Harper Theater Buildings
53rd St and Harper Ave, Hyde Park
Who owns it University of Chicago
Why bother Preservation Chicago says the edifice is an “important example of Chicago’s traditional mixed-use commercial buildings.” And it’s one of only three historic corner buildings left in the nabe’s commercial intersection of 53rd Street and Harper Avenue.
The big issue “We are actively looking for a company or developer interested in using the property for retail or entertainment,” says Bob Rosenberg, U. of C.’s associate VP of public-affairs communication. “Part of the challenge is demographic; the Near South Side lacks the density of the North Side. From the ’50s to the turn of century, some of the neighborhoods around Hyde Park witnessed population decreases. And retailers look for density, so it’s been tough.”

St. Boniface Church
1358 W Chestnut St, West Town
Who owns it Archdiocese of Chicago
Why bother While the grandiosity of the church’s interior speaks for itself, Preservation Chicago adds that the building has undergone very little alteration over the past 100 years. “Because of this integrity…and the fact that it is very much a critical part of Chicago’s heritage, St. Boniface Church meets more than the required number of criteria to become a Chicago Landmark.”
The big issue “Money is at the heart of it,” says Landmark Realty & Development principal Martin Jablonski, speaking on behalf of the diocese. “To redevelop it for church use would cost $25 million. Contractors and developers have looked at it, but nobody’s demonstrated the ability to raise money or shown the wherewithal to carry the project through.”

Chicago Motor Club
68 E Wacker Pl, Loop
Who owns it Markwell Properties
Why bother It’s an elegant example of architects Holabird and Roche’s Art Deco skyscraper artistry, according to Preservation Chicago. Additionally, the “gem from 1928 includes an original two-story lobby.”
The big issue “All real-estate development right now is on hold waiting for the credit market to stabilize for financing to become available,” says Sam Roti of Markwell Properties. “I have no intention of knocking it down; it’s just been difficult to get it to work financially when you take a building that was designed as an office building and try to convert it to different use. It’s in great shape—of course it can’t stay vacant forever—but it could work with the right kind of incentives as a hotel,” he adds. “A complete rehab is part of the plan, when the timing is right.”

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