🏛️ Chicago’s most endangered buildings

Chicago’s Most Endangered Buildings

Pope Leo XIV’s childhood church, the city’s labor union halls, and even Chicago River bridges are all on Preservation’s Chicago annual list. The organization highlights historical and architecturally significant sites at risk of demolition. [WTTW]

Another SRO Closes in Uptown

Single-room occupancy buildings offer cheap rent for dormitory-style rooms, often an option for those otherwise facing homelessness. But SROs are dwindling as building problems mount. The Chatelaine is the second Uptown SRO to be sold or close since December. Meanwhile, rents in the neighborhood are rising. [Block Club]

CPS Still Hasn’t Found a Permanent CEO

Chicago Public Schools has been without a permanent leader for nearly nine months. While it seems like the school board is close to identifying finalists (again), there are growing calls to keep interim CEO Macquline King at the helm. We discuss the stop-and-start process on today’s pod, plus rollbacks to university DEI initiatives and the latest on ASPIRA charter closures. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Today’s Must-Read

Once again, thank you for voting City Cast Chicago as Chicago’s Best Podcast! Make sure to check out the rest of the Reader’s Best of Chicago awards! Unique categories this year include:

• Best glitz-barf comic about gas station hot dogs
• Best movie screening to help send off Chicago Film Society from its longtime home at Northeastern Illinois University’s auditorium
• Best gay time machine [Reader]

From closures of beloved icons to utility rate hikes to fast food news, it’s been another busy week in Chicago. Were you paying attention?

It’s time for your weekly Neighborhood Shoutout! When you become a Neighbor, you get a chance to show some love to a local business or organization. Then we share that love with everybody.

Natalie C. is shouting out Qideas in Uptown, saying it’s a “great spot for plants, housewares, and gifts. Family-owned, second gen, focused on preserving the neighborhood.”

I second this shoutout. Qideas is where I bought the first plant I ever kept alive. Plus, they’re attached to Haibayo, which has my favorite breakfast sandwich.