Statement on the GSA’s Preferred Alternative for the Century and Consumers Building

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 7, 2024

Landmarks Illinois Statement on the GSA’s Preferred Alternative for the Century and Consumers Buildings

CHICAGO – Landmarks Illinois celebrates the news that the General Services Administration (GSA) has selected “Viable Adaptive Reuse” as the preferred path forward for the historically and architecturally significant Century and Consumers Buildings in Chicago. After spending countless hours over the past three years dedicated to the preservation of these prominent buildings, we are hopeful for the potential to reinvigorate this part of downtown Chicago. We look forward to the GSA’s next steps to identify a developer that can return these buildings to active use after nearly 20 years of sitting vacant.

The Century and Consumers Buildings, at 202-220 S. State Street, are iconic and worth saving. Landmarks Illinois has been a steadfast advocate for their reuse for many years. Over a decade ago, we helped introduce a developer with a feasible reuse option to the GSA. We sprang into action in 2022 when the federal government appropriated $52 million for their demolition. We placed the Chicago-style skyscrapers on our Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois lists in 2022 and 2023, effectively helping bring much-needed attention to the at-risk buildings. We were also instrumental in getting the National Trust for Historic Preservation to include the buildings on its “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places” list, which heightened public scrutiny about their potential demolition.

Additionally, Landmarks Illinois has actively participated in the GSA’s public consultation process since it began in 2022, adding our voice to those of numerous other organizations, partners and members of the public who have consistently called for the buildings’ preservation. Like our sustained and successful advocacy for Old Cook County Hospital, the Old Post Office and the James R. Thompson Center, Landmarks Illinois was persistent in pursuing reuse as the most beneficial choice for Chicago.

Landmarks Illinois President and CEO Bonnie McDonald said, “The era of Urban Renewal-scale demolition is over after it scarred communities, our environment and Chicago’s world-renown historic skyline. Reuse is the environmentally sustainable choice that will open doors to more affordable housing and construction jobs in the Loop. We value that the GSA heard the compelling arguments made by our coalition and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and are signaling a willingness to turn toward reuse. We also recognize the developers and real estate professionals who came forward to show interest in reuse as a viable and desirable path forward for these buildings.”

Landmarks Illinois Advocacy Manager Kendra Parzen said, “Two years ago, demolition of the Century and Consumers Buildings seemed almost inevitable. The selection of Viable Adaptive Reuse as the preferred alternative is the result of countless meetings, discussions and behind-the-scenes problem-solving. This outcome demonstrates how essential sustained advocacy and the public consultation process are in shaping the future of our historic places.”

Landmarks Illinois has stepped forward to legally protect the public’s right to transparency and to ensure their voice is heard in public processes around our historic resources. We are encouraged that consultation has led to this positive step toward adaptive reuse of the Century and Consumers Buildings. We hope this process has shown the power of the preservation community, which Landmarks Illinois is proud to be a part of, and the impact of our combined forces, expertise and tireless advocacy.

We also recognize that there is still work to do to find a use that is both financially viable and responsive to the security needs of the adjacent Dirksen Federal Courthouse. We believe that this announcement signals a willingness from decision-makers to think creatively about how these interests can align.

About Landmarks Illinois

We are People Saving Places for People. Landmarks Illinois is a membership-based, historic preservation nonprofit organization serving the people of Illinois. We inspire and empower stakeholders to save places that matter to them by providing free guidance, practical and financial resources and access to strategic partnerships. For more information, visit www.Landmarks.org.

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