City officials are pressing forward with plans to demolish the Damen Silos located at 2900 S. Damen Ave, despite vocal objections from some residents in the Southwest Side neighborhood of McKinley Park.
The silos, abandoned since 1977, have become a local landmark and a popular destination for urban explorers after their appearance in the 2014 film ‘Transformers: Age of Extinction.’
Currently owned by MAT Limited Partnership, which operates a controversial asphalt plant nearby, the silos were sold in 2022. The company has yet to announce redevelopment plans for the site but has applied for five demolition permits, including one from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which was approved last year.
Although the city has not granted final permit approval, officials presented their safety and environmental plans at a recent community meeting.
Residents expressed strong sentiments about preserving the silos, arguing that they symbolize the neighborhood’s history and identity. Many in the community would prefer to see the site transformed into a public amenity, potentially serving as festival grounds, rather than being demolished.
The city, acknowledging the complexity of the demolition due to the size of the silos and their proximity to the river, stated that the project involves special environmental reviews.
During the meeting at the Arturo Velasquez Institute, Commissioner Marlene Hopkins of the Department of Buildings clarified that the silos would not be brought down via explosives or implosion.
Instead, demolition will involve dismantling each of the five buildings piece-by-piece using high-reach excavators and cranes. To safeguard the river from any debris, barges will be employed during the process.
Public health concerns are a priority as city officials outlined measures taken to inspect the silos for hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead.
Commissioner Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige of the Chicago Department of Public Health emphasized that dust control is a primary issue for neighbors.
Historically, local residents have raised concerns over dust pollution stemming from past city mishandling, notably the Crawford Smokestack incident that enveloped the area in a dust cloud during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To alleviate these worries, Ige mentioned that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has authorized using river water for continuous spraying during demolition to suppress dust.
Air monitoring stations will be set up to track pollution levels every 15 minutes, measuring PM10 pollutants in accordance with standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Inspection teams, consisting of members from the Department of Buildings and the Department of Public Health, will be present daily throughout the demolition to monitor compliance with safety measures.
The public can rest assured that city inspectors possess authority to halt any work and address immediate issues if they arise.
Additionally, a dedicated wheel-washing station will be installed on-site to clean trucks before they exit onto neighborhood streets, while tarped debris-carrying trucks will be another component of the containment strategy.
Officials estimate that the demolition process will take about six months, subject to weather conditions.
Despite the outlined precautions, numerous neighbors and environmental advocates remain skeptical about the adequacy of these measures in protecting local air and water quality.
Concerns persist over the potential for dust to escape and further deteriorate the already compromised air quality in the area.
Neighbors are also seeking clarification on whether measures are being implemented to prevent water used for dust suppression from contaminating the river. Calls for comprehensive water monitoring during and following the demolition have emerged from the community.
Rachel Havrelock, director of The Freshwater Lab at the University of Illinois Chicago, remarked, “The property may be privately owned but the water remains under the public trust.”
Furthermore, community members are urging the city to make environmental reports available, including real-time air monitoring data throughout the demolition process.
The concerns are compounded by MAT Limited’s reputation, as their associated asphalt plant in McKinley Park has previously reached a $1.2 million settlement concerning allegations of noxious odors and pollution affecting nearby residents.
Local advocates from McKinley Park and Pilsen are calling for more green spaces and equitable access to the Chicago River, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development in their neighborhoods.
City officials have not yet provided plans for the 23-acre site following demolition, but they assure that community meetings will occur when such plans are available.
Michael Tadin, Jr., owner of MAT Limited, had earlier indicated intentions to develop the area into company headquarters after purchasing it from the state in 2022; however, no final decisions have been made publicly.
In a recent community meeting, local leaders proposed transforming the site into festival grounds while preserving the silos, a proposal that has garnered significant community support. Nearly 800 residents have expressed their backing for this preservation initiative.
Tony Adams, a resident of McKinley Park, lamented the loss of community history, asking, “Our history is being torn down. Why? Because someone could afford to buy and take it down?”
Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th), representing the ward that includes the silos, expressed her commitment to supporting proposals that prioritize community benefits, access to green spaces, and riverfront revitalization.
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