207 West Superior is already gone. Now, 720 North Wells is meeting the same fate, as demolition of the two structures continues in River North. Dating back to the 1870s, the four-story brick and cast-iron building at 720 N Wells Street “slipped through the cracks” of Chicago’s survey of historically significant buildings, according to Preservation Chicago’s Ward Miller in this Chicago Tribune story about the demolitions.
That same Tribune article quotes:
When the developer applied for a demolition permit in May 2023 for the 207 W. Superior St. building, it was put on hold for 90 days and then approved for removal in August. As a green-rated building, the 720 N. Wells St. building didn’t require such a review before seeking demolition, the city said.
It goes on to mention the developer’s plan for a four-story private club to be built on the site, but details about that project have been elusive.
720 North Wells demolition, June 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
720 North Wells demolition, June 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
720 North Wells demolition, June 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
720 North Wells demolition, June 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
720 North Wells demolition, June 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
720 North Wells demolition, June 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
720 North Wells demolition, May 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
720 North Wells demolition, May 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
207 West Superior was the smaller of the two buildings being demolished. It was torn down first, with demolition work mostly complete by mid-May. Both buildings received their demo permits on April 1 of this year.
207 West Superior demolition, April 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
207 West Superior demolition, April 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
207 West Superior demolition, April 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
207 West Superior demolition, April 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
207 West Superior demolition, May 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
207 West Superior demolition, May 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
207 West Superior demolition, May 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
207 West Superior demolition, May 2024. Photo by Daniel Schell
The two buildings were most recently homes to The Boarding House restaurant (720 Wells) and Jet’s Pizza (207 Superior.) MILBURN Demolition is the demo contractor. No timeline has been shared as to when demolition work will be complete, and when construction of the new project will begin.
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Wow
This should bring shame to the city, and to alderman Reilly. The “private club” being proposed by a local firm will fail one day, and River North will be stuck with one more hard-to-fill single-purpose building. A fancy NY architecture firm is doing the designs for the new building – but how can they possibly replace this history? Shame on the greed and short-sightedness of all concerned.
The local alder doesn’t have unilateral authority to stop a demolition. Even the city would have a hard time stopping it if it’s not landmarked.
Everyone involved in this demolition should be absolutely ashamed of themselves.
Shame on the City and Alderman for letting this happen. Where is the oversight and how did these buildings slip through the historic protection guidelines. My guess would be to follow the money.
This makes me sick.
I wouldn’t be so mad if they were replacing it with something much better than a 4-story club smh
This building was an icon for River North. Anyone old enough to recall Cairo nightclub? My office was right there when the neighborhood was lofts and galleries. And there was Howard Johnson’s across the street 😮
Ridiculous
Out with the old and in with the new looked like a good looking building should’ve left it alone, nothing lasts forever smh
The city of Chicago needs a conduct a new historic building survey and put some teeth in standing by it … Beyond the 60 day hold!!!
Big failure all around— DPD, the developer, the seller, the alderman. Clearly a landmark worthy building. CHRS needs an update since many Orange-quality buildings were missed when the survey was conducted decades ago.
The City and Alderman Reilly should be working on getting some of the empty lots in River North filled in versus taking down adaptable historic properties…still fuming on this one!
This one is sickening. It shows the corruption and greed of the city officials. Preservation Chicago also failed here. I’ve watched a number of amazing buildings meet a similar fate, but never one as significant as this one. That entire stretch should have been landmarked. This is a black eye for our city.