“A fire tore through a historic textile factory in North Lawndale on Friday night, raising concerns of preservationists about the site’s planned demolition.

“The fire started in the Western Felt Works building at 4155 W. Ogden Ave., according to reports from the Chicago Fire Department, which was on scene around 10:30 p.m. to control the blaze.

“The cause of the blaze also remained unknown, but it raised concerns among local preservationists amid the site’s ongoing demolition.

“The Western Felt Works building, which was built in 1916, is one of three industrial buildings near Ogden and Keeler avenues on the Endangered Buildings List compiled by Preservation Chicago, an organization committed to protecting historic structures across the city.

“The buildings are undergoing demolition as part of a warehouse redevelopment project involving the Western Felt Works building and the two neighboring Turner Manufacturing Co. buildings at 4147-4151 W. Ogden Ave.

“IDI Logistics, which is leading the project, plans to build a 246,200-square-foot warehouse in the site’s place.

“Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, said the fire was ‘heart-wrenchingly tragic in every regard.’

“‘This is a huge loss for Chicago and for the neighborhood culturally, historically, architecturally and most importantly, environmentally,’ Miller said.

“The Western Felt Works building was designed by architect R.C. Fletcher, and produced felt products during World War II that were essential in helping the allies win the war, Miller said. The factory operated in Chicago for nearly a century.

“But its destruction is more than a historical loss for the city, Miller said. The fire also poses environmental concerns for the surrounding neighborhood.

“‘There were toxic plumes of smoke going up into the air all evening long and into the morning,’ Miller said. ‘This is a community of color that’s seen a lot of disinvestment over time, and of course the fumes, smoke and toxins don’t stop at neighborhood borders.’

“Miller said the site’s demolition permit, which was granted in August, should be rescinded until a full investigation is conducted into the cause of the fire.

“‘The community has been in opposition to this proposal for almost a year now, and it’s tragic that our leaders or elected officials can’t understand and work with the community toward preservation of these structures,’ Miller said.”

The Western Felt Works building fronting Ogden Avenue was not directly impacted from the fire. The fire presents an opportunity for the community and decision-makers to reconsider the demolition plans. Even if the rear portion of Western Felt Work is cleared, the front portion should be protected and incorporated into any new development.

Preservation Chicago has been advocating for the preservation and adaptive reuse of the Ogden Turner Buildings since 2022 when the demolition threat first began to emerge. Our advocacy efforts helped to raise awareness around the value of the historic buildings and the proposed development among stakeholders within the community. With greater transparency, strong neighborhood support emerged for preservation and reuse, and equally strong opposition to the demolition and proposed replacement. Despite the strong aldermanic and community opposition, the ownership continues to press forward towards demolition.

Acknowledging that the current multinational corporate ownership is highly unresponsive to the local community, Preservation Chicago has been actively working to find a local development team that could purchase, restore, and repurpose these buildings. We have made significant progress and the effort is ongoing.

Read the full story at Chicago Sun-Times

• Historic factory building in North Lawndale destroyed in blaze; The extra-alarm fire started late Friday at the former Western Felt Works site, which is being torn down as part of a redevelopment project. The fire has raised concerns about the environmental impact on the surrounding area, Jake Wittich, Chicago Sun-Times, 10/12/24
• Extra-alarm fire rips through historic felt factory building on Chicago’s West Side, Adam Harrington, CBS 2 Chicago, 10/12/24
• Demolition permits issued for industrial buildings prized by historic preservationists, Brian Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 8/22/24
• IDI Logistics wins demo fight for historic Southwest Side warehouses; Alderman, residents oppose distribution warehouse near residential neighborhood, Andrew Terrell, The Read Deal, 8/26/24
• North Lawndale neighbors fight plan to demolish historic buildings, add truck traffic; Century-old buildings may be torn down to make way for another logistics and distribution site, adding pollution, nuisance to a West Side Black community, Brett Chase, Chicago Sun-Times, 5/15/24
• Southwest Side warehouses considered significant by preservationists face demolition, Brian Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 4/16/24
• When a Proposed Development Threatens Disinvestment; Despite a lack of support from the 22nd Ward, developer IDI Logistics is moving forward with demolishing a dozen century-old industrial buildings in North Lawndale. Will it become another empty lot? AJ LaTrace, Chicago Magazine, 5/16/24
• Ogden-Keeler Industrial Buildings: Western Felt Works at 4115 W. Ogden Avenue, Turner Manufacturing Company Building at 4147-4151 W. Ogden, and Turner Manufacturing Company Building at 2309-2325 S. Keeler, a 2024 Chicago 7 Most Endangered