The Commission on Chicago Landmarks, whose nine members are appointed by the Mayor and City Council, was established in 1968 by City Ordinance. It is responsible for recommending to the City Council that individual buildings, sites, objects, or entire districts be designated as Chicago Landmarks, thereby providing legal protection.

To be recommended for landmark status by the Commission, a building or district must meet at least two of the following criteria: critical part of Chicago's heritage, site of a significant event, association with a significant person, important architecture, important architect, distinctive theme as a district, or unique visual feature. It must also retain a high degree of architectural integrity.

As of April 9, 2008, 309 Chicago Landmarks have been designated by the City Council, including 259 individual designations and 50 landmark districts. Some 9,000 properties are protected by the ordinance.

The Commission is also responsible for reviewing any proposed alteration, demolition, or new construction affecting individual landmarks or properties in landmark districts as part of the permit review process.

Commission Members
David Mosena, Chairman
John W. Baird, Secretary
Phyllis Ellin
Arnold L. Randall
Christopher R. Reed
Edward I. Torrez
Ernest C. Wong
Ben Weese

The Commission is staffed by the Landmarks Division of the Chicago Department of Planning and Development. Commission meetings are open to the public.

Location
33 N. LaSalle St.
Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60602
TEL: (312) 744-3200
TTY: (312) 744-2958
FAX: (312) 744-9140

Contact Landmarks
landmarks@cityofchicago.org

Feedback
planning@cityofchicago.org