La luce
In 2021, the city’s Landmarks Commission made an exciting announcement regarding a historic building in Chicago. This charming four-story structure, dating back to 1892, features a distinctive copper turret and bay window. Despite facing the threat of demolition, the building was ultimately saved and designated a landmark. Fast-forward to 2024, the building’s owners are embroiled in a legal battle as the city filed a foreclosure suit earlier in the year.
In February, city lawyers raised concerns about the deteriorating safety of the building. Just standing outside reveals a clear indication of its unsafe condition. The turret lacks a large amount of copper, and the remaining pieces look unstable and close to falling apart. The wood beneath the turret near the former la Luce restaurant entrance also shows signs of severe damage. The report suggests water infiltration beneath the roof may harm brick and other building materials. The presence of graffiti further contributes to the appearance of abandonment of the building.
In December, the city initially approved the demolition of the old Schlitz bar and building, but later admitted to having made an error in the address. Veritas quickly submitted a new application after the initial denial, and the hold on that application ended in March.
The La Luce Restaurant
Preservation Chicago launched an online petition to save the building, which garnered over 8,000 signatures. Anthony Giannini, the owner of Agent Equity Partners, also seeks to demolish the one-story building adjacent to 1385 W. Lake St, previously occupied by Midwest Performance Car. A report from the City Department of Planning and Development indicated that the Commission on Landmarks identified all exterior features, including rooflines, of the building as distinctive. Unlike other Schlitz taverns in Chicago, the Lake Street property does not have the prominent Schlitz logo, a point of contention when Veritas LLC representatives sought demolition permits and questioned the building’s landmark status. Miller also noticed the absence of the logo and thoroughly examined the building, during which he discovered a faded Schlitz sign on the east wall.
Constructed in 1892 before the introduction of the embossed Schlitz logo at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, the building has undergone various transformations over the years. Designed initially as a saloon with residential and commercial spaces above, it was later converted into an Italian restaurant named La Luce in 1989 by the Moretti family, who undertook extensive restoration efforts to revive the neglected building. Today, the La Luce building is a recognized landmark with a rich and storied past.
Former La Luce Building
Improving the CTA
Written by Rodney Daniels
Sources
WBEZ Chicago What That Building? The former La Luce building
Block Club Chicago Former La Luce Building In West Loop Saved From Demolition Again, Given Temporary Landmark Protection
Gazette Chicago Former WestLoop’s La Luce building transportation improvements are sought
Featured Image Courtesy of Pedro de Carvalho Ponchio Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
inset image courtesy of Michel Curi Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
