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Redesign of Chicago Daily News Building Under Way

By Tricia McCarter-Joseph | Online Only | Oct. 30, 2009 

Chicago Daily News

Credit: Preservation Chicago

This fall a major renovation of the 80-year-old headquarters of the former Chicago Daily News is under way. The owners of the 26-story building near Chicago's Loop began work in July that will continue over the next five years.

Designed by Holabird & Root, the Art Deco building featured a renowned mural by John W. Norton that at one point covered the ceiling in the lobby. Chicago billionaire Sam Zell, who has owned the building since 1975 through his firm Equity Group Investments, has made attempts in the past to demolish it.

During this phase of the project, which is scheduled to be completed by next year, workers are restoring the main lobby, the main entrance, elevator interiors, restrooms, and corridors.

"The main lobby is undergoing a transformation back to the Art Deco 1920s, with restoration of the original plaster ceiling, rosette and trim motifs as well as original elevator lobby sconce light fixtures and signage, re-polishing of all stone and metal detail, and the addition of other metal and glass elements," said Terry Holt, spokeswoman for Equity Group Investments, in an e-mail. She declined to disclose renovation costs.

Local preservationists are concerned that changes to the building will jeopardize its architectural integrity. Preservation Chicago last year named the Daily News building to its "Chicago 7" annual list of threatened properties. The structure is not protected by city, state, or federal preservation laws.

"The former Chicago Daily News building and its pedestrian plaza is one of several iconic structures that define Chicago's Loop," the group's Web site reads. "We recommend that the City Council and the Department of Planning & Development proceed with declaring the structure and its plaza a historic landmark."

Holt concedes that the owners have not decided to pursue landmark status at this time, but feels the renovations will please both history and architecture aficionados.

"Plans are to continue to provide an environment for the current building occupants that allow them to feel a sense of history and pride each time they walk through the doors," Holt said. "The building goes through an annual critical facade inspection to ensure the original limestone is intact. We also have a water-based cleaning program underway to remove residue from the exterior facade." 

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