“A small, historical church on a residential street in Avondale will soon be razed to make way for three single-family homes, disappointing local preservationists.

“Our Lady of Fatima Church at 3051 N. Christiana Ave. is set to be torn down, according to a demolition permit issued by the Department of Buildings in late October. Three single-family homes will be built on the church’s land and its two adjoining lots…”

“Demolition of the church and parking lot began [in mid-November], when crews were seen securing the property with a fence and tearing up portions of the parking lot. A construction worker onsite Tuesday said the demolition could take a few days depending on the building’s condition.

“The structure features saint sculptures near the top of the church, a front sign that reads ‘St. Hyacinth Mission Church,’ an engraved stone at the right base of the building and other historical architectural elements.

“The building’s demolition — and the uncertainty over the preservation of its historic statues and engraved stone — is an alarm bell to local preservationists and historians.

“Because the church and adjoining lots are already zoned residential, the developer is able to build by right, meaning no approvals from local officials or notice given to the community are needed.

“Andy Schneider, president of Logan Square Preservation, said the church’s loss is sad, particularly when it can be done without any oversight or community engagement.

“There’s a need for more solutions to preserve historic buildings regardless of their zoning, such as Our Lady of Fatima, he said.” (Parrella-Aureli, Block Club Chicago, 11/14/24)

Read the full story at Block Club Chicago

• Avondale’s Our Lady Of Fatima Church To Be Demolished For 3 Single-Family Homes; The sister church to nearby St. Hyacinth has saint sculptures and other artifacts that should be saved, preservationists said, Ariel Parrella-Aureli, Block Club Chicago, 11/14/24
• Demolition Permit Issued For Our Lady Of Fatima Church At 3051 North Christiana Avenue In Avondale, Daniel Schell, Chicago YIMBY, 10/31/24
• Demolition permit issued for Our Lady of Fatima Church in Avondale, BuildingUpChicago.com, 10/30/24