September 4, 2008 – At its regular meeting today, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks will consider a proposed “landmark district” that would cover dozens of buildings in River North. The area would not include Marina City.

The proposal, which was made public about a week ago, would assign preliminary landmark designation to a four-block area just north of Marina City. It would include much of Hubbard Street from Wabash Avenue to Franklin Street.

In this map of the proposed landmark district in River North, Marina City can be seen as the two circles in the lower right corner. (Click on image to view larger version.)

While input from the public was being considered, any construction projects in the proposed district would be put on hold.

In an interview with Crain’s Chicago Business, Jonathan Fine, Executive Director of Preservation Chicago, called the area being considered “the last bastion of what the city looked like right after the 1871 fire.”

One building in the proposed district, Courthouse Place, already has official landmark status.

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks recommends to the City Council which buildings, sites, objects, or entire districts should be designated as Chicago Landmarks and receive legal protection. Its nine members are appointed by the Mayor and City Council.