Damen Silos To Be Demolished After City Approves Permits, Ending Preservation Battle

The city approved demolition permits for the Damen Silos, concluding a preservation battle led by local advocates. Ald. Julia Ramirez stated that demolition will start after the Fourth of July weekend. The permits followed a safety and environmental plan aimed at ensuring community safety during demolition. Some neighbors criticized the plan, pushing for the site to be transformed into public amenities instead.

The silos, abandoned since 1977, gained notoriety as a local landmark and were featured in a Hollywood film. Community leaders have gathered over 900 signatures advocating for the structures to remain and for better public access to the area. The silos were sold in 2022 to MAT Limited Partnership, which has not disclosed redevelopment plans. Ramirez assured that any future development will involve community input as mandated by the city's Planned Development process.