Two DePaul University Buildings Proposed for Landmark Designation

DePaul University's Cortelyou Commons and Byrne Hall in Lincoln Park would be designated as official Chicago landmarks under proposals introduced to City Council today by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Byrne Hall, 2219 N. Kenmore Ave., was built in 1907 and served as DePaul's original home. Designed by Chicago architect J.E.O. Pridmore with Italian Renaissance Revival details, the five-story structure has housed the school's psychology department since 1968. The landmark designation would protect the building's historically significant exteriors, which include the east and south elevations and a portion of the west elevation.

Cortelyou Commons, 2324 N. Chalmers St., was built in 1930 by the McCormick Theological Seminary. DePaul acquired the property in 1976 after the seminary moved to Hyde Park. Designed by architect Dwight G. Wallace with Collegiate Gothic details, the building was named for the Rev. John R. Cortelyou, university president from 1964 to 1981.

The landmark designation would protect all exterior elevations from significant alteration or demolition.