The fate of St. Adalbert's Church, a historic staple of the Pilsen neighborhood, now hangs in the balance. The City Council's Zoning Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday at 10 a.m., to discuss landmark status for the entire church complex. However, a last-ditch effort might see part of the property excluded from protections, according to a report from FOX 32 Chicago.
Founded in 1874, the debate over St. Adalbert's surrounds not just the church, but its rectory, convent, and school as well. While the Archdiocese of Chicago is keen to unload the property to any willing buyer, former parishioners are pushing to preserve their heritage. As reported by ABC 7 Chicago, campaigners aim to prevent any sale that could result in the alteration or demolition of the complex. The aspiring new owner, People Church, a non-denominational congregation, is looking to acquire the church, sparking concerns that the rest of the campus could be at risk.
Last June, the same zoning committee agreed in principle to grant landmark status for all the buildings on the campus, yet, nearly a year on, this status remains in limbo. As noted by Julie Sawicki, president of the Society of St. Adalbert (SOSA), city ordinance dictates that the landmarking process should be completed within a year. Failing which, the property automatically receives landmark status. This significant date is looming next week, she added, with genuine concern that a surprising ordinance could strip three of the four buildings of protection just before the deadline.
Meanwhile, the Archdiocese has reiterated its stance against the entire property's landmark status becoming involuntary. "We have been consistent in respectfully opposing the involuntary landmarking of this property, especially in its entirety," the Archdiocese stated, as ABC 7 Chicago quoted. In contrast, People Church has expressed a desire to honor the site's history by transforming it back into a place of worship and a hub for the community, according to their statement obtained by FOX 32 Chicago.
