“The demolition of a century-old greystone in Lakeview has prompted city officials and neighbors to explore whether a larger stretch of the neighborhood should be protected as a historic landmark district.

“The conversation was sparked after a greystone at 1300 W. Newport Ave. was torn down, alarming neighbors who said the loss threatened the architectural continuity of one of the area’s most intact stretches of early 20th century two- and three-flats.

“In response, Ald. Bennett Lawson (44th) and the city’s Department of Planning and Development hosted a community meeting this week to present early research on a possible landmark district and gather feedback from the roughly 50 neighbors who attended.

“Kandalyn Hahn, a preservation planner with the Chicago Department of Planning and Development whose work informs the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, presented preliminary findings showing the area contains about 200 buildings constructed mainly between 1901 and 1915.

“‘This area presents an unusually high degree of architectural uniformity,’ Hahn said, pointing to the concentration of brick and limestone two- and three-flats. ‘Together, they tell a cohesive story of working-class housing in Lakeview.’

“Hahn said many of the buildings were developed as rental properties for German immigrant families working in nearby factories, with early deed restrictions requiring masonry construction, consistent setbacks and minimum building costs.

“Hahn sought to clarify what landmark status would — and would not — regulate. ‘Landmark review only applies to exterior features visible from the public right of way,’ she said. ‘It doesn’t regulate interiors, landscaping or routine maintenance, and owners can still make changes as long as they maintain the historic character.’

“Several residents asked why the city couldn’t pursue landmark status for just the 1300 block of Newport Avenue rather than a larger district. Preservation staff said broader boundaries are often necessary to ensure the designation reflects a cohesive historical story and is legally defensible.

“‘I don’t see myself moving forward without a lot of support from property owners,’ Lawson said. ‘It doesn’t have to be unanimous, but there has to be real buy-in.’ (Filbin, Block Club Chicago, 1/16/26)

Read the full story at Block Club Chicago

• Lakeview Neighbors Consider Landmark District After Greystone Demolition; The conversation was sparked after a greystone on Newport Avenue was torn down, alarming neighbors who said the loss threatened one of the area’s most intact stretches of early 20th century two- and three-flats, Patrick Filbin, Block Club Chicago, 1/16/26
• Century-Old Greystone In Lakeview To Be Demolished, But Neighbors Are Fighting To Save It; Neighbors hope to convince the developer to save the building’s facade and preserve the architectural unity of one of the last intact blocks of its kind. “Something significant in Chicago’s history is being lost,” one neighbor said, Patrick Filbin, Block Club Chicago, 7/31/25
• Demolition Permitted For 1910 Home At 1300 West Newport Avenue In The Southport Corridor, Daniel Schell, Chicago YIMBY, 7/23/25
• No Reprieve For 1300 West Newport, As Demolition Claims Vintage Greystone Façade, Daniel Schell, Chicago YIMBY, 8/5/25