Grants Announced for Three Historic Preservation Projects

Three Adopt-A-Landmark grants collectively valued at more than $665,000 will support the stabilization of a former South Chicago movie palace and historic churches in North Lawndale and Grand Boulevard, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) announced today.

Totaling nearly $843,000 in construction costs, the projects were selected from 16 proposals submitted to DPD's Historic Preservation Division earlier this year. Applications were evaluated for project readiness, location, impact and building needs, among other criteria, with restorations of community anchors receiving priority funding.

"Each of these buildings has contributed to its neighborhood's identity for decades, convening thousands of people within innovative and exquisitely designed communal spaces that need assistance for the future," DPD Commissioner Ciere Boatright said. "The Adopt-A-Landmark Fund is specifically designed to perform that role."

The projects and award amounts include:

New Regal Theater, 1645 E. 79th St., South Chicago
$249,500 to fund masonry repairs and repointing, rebuilding of cracked brick, supplemental stabilization and exterior scaffolding at the 1927 former Avalon Theater building. The grant will fund the entirety of project costs. Owner: Community Capital Investment LLC

Stone Temple Baptist Church, 3620-22 W. Douglas Blvd., North Lawndale
$167,000 to support $197,445 in masonry and parapet repairs, internal drainage mitigation and exterior door replacement at the 1926 church. Owner: Stone Temple Baptist Church

Monumental Baptist Church, 729 E. Oakwood Blvd., Grand Boulevard
$249,900 to support a $369,050 re-roofing project, including downspouts, gutters and select masonry at the 1901 church. Owner: Monumental Baptist Church

The Adopt-A-Landmark Fund supports the restoration of designated Chicago landmarks. Funding is provided by voluntary zoning fees paid by downtown construction projects through the City's Neighborhood Opportunity Bonus system.

Since 2016, more than $14 million in landmark grant awards have been allocated citywide for 33 historic preservation projects valued at more than $166 million.

Selected projects are subject to additional review and approval by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks prior to construction.