City panel backs landmarks label for two State Street buildings

The buildings at 202 and 220 S. State St. as seen earlier this year. The three-story building between them has since been demolished. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

A city panel unanimously recommended landmark designation Thursday for two early 20^th century skyscrapers on State Street, potentially setting up a showdown with a federal agency that wants them torn down.

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks urged landmark status for buildings at 202 and 220 S. State St. to the applause of audience members who supported their preservation. The vote sends the matter to the City Council for a final decision.