Preservation Chicago just announced an open call for the next version of their Chicago 7 list, an annual attempt to shine the spotlight on endangered architecture and mobilize the media and fellow preservationists. As the group looks for new buildings to focus on, it's a fitting time to check in with the class of 2014. According to the group's executive director, Ward Miller, last year saw some big victories for the cause, including New York Life Building and the Chicago Motor Club finding second lives as hotels, but the loss of the Prentice Hospital "still stings." We spoke with him to get an update on the status of last year's seven.
·Previous Preservation Watch coverage [Curbed]
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Preservation Chicago Calls for 2015 Chicago 7 Nominees
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Fisk/Crawford Power Stations
Chicago's last coal burning power plants were shut down in 2012 (thankfully), but Preservation Chicago believes the buildings are architecturally significant enough to save. The CTA recently expressed interest in the Fisk Plant, with an eye towards renovation and building a new bus garage and riverfront park.
Francis Scott Key Public School
Shuttered in 2013, the Francis Scott Key school was designed by Prairie School architect Dwight Perkins and opened in 1907.
Jeffery Theater
Built in 1923 by architect William Doerr, the neoclassical Jeffery Theater was a popular place for Chicago movie goers during the golden age of film.
St. Adalbert’s Catholic Church
Designed by architect Henry Schlacks, the Renaissance Revival cathedral is the tallest structure in Pilsen. Parties have been expressing interset in renovation and as of January 2015, the towers are being investigated to put together an estimate for repairs.
Central Manufacturing District
The 285-acre former manufacturing center is strewn with red brick warehouses that were built during the first decade of the twentieth century. Ward Miller of Preservation Chicago noted that Landmark Illinois is also trying to save the property; he envisions an future small business incubator here, possibly in the mold of 1871.
Madison/Wabash CTA station
The last original L station on the east leg of the loop will be demolished and replaced when the updated new $75 million Washington-Wabash station opens in 2016. Preservation Chicago is looking to either preserves the space in situ or dissasemble the old station and move it to another stop.
Guyon Hotel
West Garfield Park's Guyon Hotel is a massive terracotta Moorish-style building and was completed in 1928.
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