It’s been around for more than 130 years, but St. James Catholic Church on 29th and Michigan in Chicago will likely be torn down in the new year unless it’s saved as a historic landmark.
While the church is on a list of historically significant buildings, St. James is in so much disrepair that mass hasn’t been held there in more than two years.
Last fall, the Chicago Archdiocese applied for a demolition permit, which was automatically deferred because the 1880 limestone structure is on the city’s list of historically significant buildings. But the deferral expires Sunday, meaning that the wrecking ball could swing soon.
It would cost an estimated $12 million to restore the church.
1 Comment to “Last Christmas for 132-year-old church?”
March 4, 2013 at 10:30 PM
Honestly, for a building with that much history behind it, $12-million is a small price to pay. Tearing down and repairing a few walls and interior structures are fine, but to completely take down the church should be considered a crime.