For those who believe that you can’t fight City Hall, we are here to tell you that not only can you fight it, but sometimes you can even win.

Preservation, like any other idealistic grass roots movement, is always an uphill struggle. However, with proper organization and hard work, communities can successfully preserve their architectural and historical resources for future generations to enjoy. Once a community understands the true value and importance of historic preservation, they are much less willing to accept the same tired arguments that favor demolition.

Although Preservation Chicago has not been in existence for very long, we feel we have accomplished a great deal. However, those successes have been directly related to the partnerships we have forged with the people in the community. As you will learn from the following preservation success stories, it is ultimately through the activism and commitment of the community that these buildings were saved.

When the Chicago Historic Resource Survey was published in 1996, Southeast Lakeview had been identified as a potential landmark district. Despite this fact, the drumbeat of redevelopment had already begun, and the stately Queen Anne at 441 Surf was in the crosshairs. Find out more »

Utility workers, thwarted from shutting off the utilities by an industrious nun who refuses them access, give Woodlawn residents their first clue that the demolition of St. Gelasius Church is imminent. Find out more »

Tipped off to the impending demolition of 823 W. Newport in the Lakeview neighborhood, Preservation Chicago partnered with surrounding residents to organize a Stop the Demolition campaign of the stately 1890’s Victorian three-flat. Find out more »