March 2026 Newsletter

LOSS: Chicago Loses Another Iconic Neon Sign After Sale of Erie-LaSalle Body Shop (Neon Signs: Chicago 7 2015)

"Bob Gottfred can’t help but feel 'very blue' after selling his 92-year-old family business, Erie-LaSalle Body Shop, for what he would only call 'an...

LOSS: Another Vintage Neon Sign Lost: Foremost Liquors (Neon Signs: Chicago 7 2015)

"Chicago is losing another iconic neon sign."The sign for Uptown’s Foremost Liquors — with yellowed neon bulbs that lit up the historic Argyle Street...

THREATENED: Chicago Sign Museum Wants the City’s Hand-Made Signs Saved Before They’re Gone

"Whether painted, wood, bulb or neon, Chicago signs have a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts who aim to bring a new museum...

BUYER WANTED: Adolph J. Lichtstern Mansion / Former Black-Owned Hospital at 3736 S. Indiana Avenue Listed for Sale

"A Bronzeville mansion with a storied history is for sale for the first time in decades, and local preservationists want to ensure it remains...

WIN: Blair Mansion Will Become Astor Club Clubhouse After Comprehensive Renovation

"It will only be a matter of time until the building becomes a clubhouse and that time will arrive in a few months. The...

POTENTIAL WIN: Chicago Seeks to Reinvest in Madison Pulaski Commercial District (Chicago 7 2017)

"Madison Street on the city’s West Side has been rocked by some serious body blows over the last 60 or so years and it...

THREATENED: Parker School Expansion Threatens Vintage Courtyard Residential Building at 327-335 W. Belden Avenue

"Francis W. Parker School, a private K-12 college prep school in Lincoln Park, is moving forward with plans to expand its footprint following years...

WIN: After Years of Delays, Construction Begins on Hollander Lofts Building Adaptive Reuse

"A year after the Hollander building project changed ownership, construction is underway on the long-awaited redevelopment."Construction started last week on the Hollander loft apartment...

WIN: Adaptive Reuse Planned for Pontiac Building at 542 S. Dearborn Street and Loft Building at 445 W. Erie Street

"Two vintage loft office buildings downtown have sold to a developer who plans to convert them to apartments, and another office building marketed as...

WIN: Construction Begins for Adaptive Reuse of 1220 W. Van Buren for Oxford Lofts

"The city has authorized construction to begin for the residential conversion of the Oxxford Clothes building at 1220 West Van Buren Street in the...