The 2009 Chicago 7

St. Boniface Church

Closed by the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1990, the historic St. Boniface church has sat vacant and deteriorating for almost 19 years. Plans by the archdiocese to demolish the structure were quashed in 1999 by community activists, who proposed using the church as a branch library. Although numerous proposals have been put forth since, the most interest has come from a group of Egyptian Coptic Christians, who have been trying to purchase the property directly from the archdiocese for almost three years.

Preservation Chicago recommends that the City of Chicago landmark the church. Except for the stained glass that was removed by the archdiocese, St. Boniface has undergone very little alteration over the past century. Because of this integrity, as well as its preeminent architect, significant architecture, 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. Landmarking is the only thing that will protect this architectural masterpiece from demolition until a viable preservation solution can be negotiated.

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