The Damen Silos, a landmark in McKinley Park, are set to be demolished following the issuance of permits by the city’s Department of Buildings last week. This decision marks the end of an era for these iconic structures, which have stood since their abandonment in 1977.
Demolition is planned to commence after the Fourth of July weekend, as confirmed by Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th) via a social media post. The five permits granted allow for the dismantling of each of the individual silos on the property located at 2900 S. Damen Ave.
Community concerns had been voiced just a week earlier during a meeting where neighbors criticized an environmental and safety plan proposed for the silos’ removal. Many locals were hopeful that the silos would be preserved and transformed into a public space, perhaps to serve as a festival ground, reflecting a desire for better community assets.
The silos have gained a significant following among urban explorers and graffiti artists since their closure and have even appeared in films, including the 2014 blockbuster “Transformers: Age of Extinction.” The site was acquired by MAT Limited Partnership in 2022; the ownership of this company has raised eyebrows due to its connections with a controversial asphalt plant operating in McKinley Park.
Despite the stated intentions of the new owners, there have been no announcements concerning any future development plans for the property following the demolition. Previous attempts to demolish the silos faced backlash from the community, as MAT Limited had sought various permits for destruction, including approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Local leaders and preservationists gathered outside the silos a week prior to the permit approvals in a display of unity aimed at garnering support for redeveloping the site into a community-friendly area. In their vision, the area would not only preserve the silos but also include public green space and serve as festival grounds similar to the recently redeveloped Salt Shed.
Prior efforts to purchase the silos for community use were thwarted when the state opted to sell the property to MAT Limited Partners, the highest bidder, which shifted the focus away from revitalizing the area into a public asset.
The recent petition filed by the McKinley Park Development Council, which has garnered over 900 signatures, underscores the community’s desire to see the structures preserved. In a statement issued Thursday, the council expressed their determination to continue advocating for improvements to public spaces along the riverfront, which they believe should serve community interests.
Ald. Ramirez expressed disappointment over the demolition decision. She noted that community involvement will still be part of the planning for future developments on the site. “I want to assure the community that any further development of the site will include a community-driven process, required by the city’s Planned Development process,” Ramirez stated.
Details surrounding the demolition indicate that it will not involve implosion or explosives, contrary to some residents’ initial fears. Marlene Hopkins, the commissioner for the Department of Buildings, confirmed that the demolition will proceed using high-reach excavators and cranes, taking down the structures piece by piece. Furthermore, protective measures will be implemented to prevent debris from impacting the nearby river during the demolition.
City officials have confirmed that comprehensive inspections for hazardous materials, including asbestos and lead, have already been conducted. This aligns with Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige, commissioner for the Chicago Department of Public Health, who addressed the concerns at the community meeting about dust pollution, citing previous complaints tied to the Crawford Smokestack incident in Little Village.
To alleviate fears of air quality issues, officials indicated that a continuous spray of river water would be applied during demolition to mitigate dust dispersal. Air monitoring stations are also set to be installed, measuring air pollution levels at intervals of 15 minutes under EPA standards.
However, significant skepticism remains among some community members regarding the adequacy of these precautions. Residents have raised concerns about the potential environmental impacts of allowing a company with a questionable environmental record to oversee the demolition of a site adjacent to the river.
MAT Limited’s sister company, MAT Asphalt, has faced scrutiny in the past, including a settlement of $1.2 million related to claims of noxious odors and pollution affecting the surrounding area. Residents fear that the existing environmental burdens on the Southwest Side will only be exacerbated by these developments, feeling ignored in the ongoing discussions regarding the future of the silos.
Community voices continue to insist on accountability and the need for more environmentally-friendly practices, particularly given the historical challenges faced by the neighborhood. As the timeline for demolition approaches, the struggle for representation and community-focused development persists.
image source from：blockclubchicago
