Preservation Chicago’s annual report highlights historic buildings advocates say need protection, and some of Chicago’s most recognizable buildings are on the list.
That list includes historic river bridges and a church tied to the first American pope, all of which preservationists warn are at risk.
Preservation Chicago released its 2026 ‘Chicago 7 Most Endangered’ list Wednesday, identifying historic sites the organization says are at risk and need attention from city leaders, preservationists and the public.
The annual report aims to raise awareness about buildings and infrastructure that could face demolition, deterioration or major alterations.
“Oftentimes the general public doesn’t know that they are in danger or they’re facing an uncertain future,” said Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago.
The organization has been releasing the list since 2003 to highlight historic places that could disappear without preservation efforts.
Pope’s Childhood Church Among Sites Highlighted
One of the sites on this year’s list is St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and School in Riverdale, a building tied to Chicago’s first American pope.
According to preservation advocates, the church played a central role in the life of Pope Leo during his childhood and education.
Miller said preserving the church could help bring renewed investment to a community that has struggled with decades of disinvestment.
“This Riverdale community of Chicago that unfortunately has seen so much disinvestment over the past 50 years,” Miller said. “This has the opportunity … to really make a great outcome and reinvigorate that community that has lost so many resources.”
Chicago’s Iconic River Bridges Also on List
The list also includes Chicago River bridges and their historic tender houses — the small structures that control bridge operations.
Preservation Chicago says the bridges are a defining part of the city’s identity but many need repairs and restoration.
“When you see those bridges opening, it’s almost like a welcoming hand to Chicago,” Miller said.
Chicago has the largest collection of movable bascule bridges in the world, many built between 1910 and 1940 during the city’s industrial and architectural boom.
Preservationists say those structures — along with their decorative tender houses — were influenced by the Burnham Plan of Chicago and the City Beautiful movement, which aimed to combine infrastructure with architectural beauty.
Advocates warn that without proper maintenance, some of those bridges could lose their historic features.
Art Institute Landmark Also Listed
Another major site on the list is the Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room, a historic architectural space currently housed inside the Art Institute of Chicago.
The ornate trading room, originally designed in the 1890s by famed architects Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan, was salvaged from the original Chicago Stock Exchange building before it was demolished in the early 1970s.
Preservation Chicago says proposed expansion plans at the Art Institute could put the historic space — along with the adjacent McKinlock Court courtyard — at risk.
Preservation Advocates Hope List Sparks Action
Preservation Chicago says its annual report has helped save numerous buildings over the years by bringing attention to their historic importance.
Miller says the goal is to encourage residents, city leaders and organizations to step in before these structures are lost.
“Otherwise,” Miller said, “sometimes this is sort of veiled and not apparent until the buildings are facing demolition or some type of harm.”
The organization hopes public awareness will help ensure Chicago’s architectural history remains part of the city’s future.
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