The Latest Breaking News from Ward Miller

Google releases new renderings of planned Thompson Center makeover

The renovation would keep the atrium and have a more transparent facade and a new plaza. But we need to see more, architecture critic Lee Bey writes.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 13, 2023

City panel backs landmarks label for two State Street buildings

The federally-owned towers date from the early 20th century and could still be torn down, but the decision of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks could increase pressure to preserve them.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 8, 2023

Petition in works to gain landmark status for Chicago site where DJ legend Frankie Knuckles made ‘house music’ popular

CHICAGO — When The Warehouse made the top seven list of most endangered buildings in Chicago facing possible demolition, preservationists sprung to action to save the West Loop industrial building where legendary DJ Frankie Knuckles elevated Chicago to a higher musical level with "house music."

Chicago Tribune · Apr 12, 2023

Historic mural restored at Second Presbyterian Church

After more than 100 years, the vibrancy of the windows and the mural were hidden by dirt, leading supporters of the church to embark on a campaign to restore the artistic treasures to their original glory.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jan 6, 2023

Legal dispute keeps Chicago treasure off limits to art lovers

At issue is an Old Town condominium known as the Glasner Studio, once a party house for industrialist Rudolph Glasner. From 1928 to 1932, it was a colony where artists would stay in exchange for working to rehab the building.

Chicago Sun-Times · Dec 26, 2022

Statue could be removed soon from shuttered Pilsen church

A permit has been issued to remove a beloved statue from St. Adalbert Catholic Church. Preservationists and former parishioners fear the building’s fate is sealed. “Once the statue comes out, the wrecking ball comes in,” said Ward Miller, president of Preservation Chicago.

Chicago Sun-Times · Nov 11, 2022

Are the endangered Century and Consumer buildings headed toward landmark status?

Let’s hope so. It would be a better fate than the federal government’s plan to demolish the structures for a security plaza.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 23, 2022

City landmarks panel backs review of State Street buildings that feds say are security risk

The members act after getting a petition from more than 22,000 people who voiced support for saving the early 20th century structures, setting up a potential show down with the federal government over security concerns for the nearby Dirksen Federal Courthouse.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jul 7, 2022

Groups coalesce around plan to save State Street buildings

The proposal calls for turning them into a shared archive center, but the properties’ owner, the federal government, wants the early 20th century high-rises wrecked.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 18, 2022

Preservationist places faith in plan for State Street buildings

A proposal to revive the buildings adjacent to the federal complex is being developed, with hope that it will satisfy concerns about safety.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 9, 2022