The limestone Art Deco exterior of 2 N. Riverside Plaza, the historic former Chicago Daily News building overlooking the Chicago River.
CHICAGO · April 2, 2026 : The Chicago Commission on Landmarks is expected to recommend official landmark status for the former Chicago Daily News building this Thursday. The 26-story Art Deco tower at 2 N. Riverside Plaza is a cornerstone of the city’s architectural identity, and the designation will formally unlock $70 million in public renovation subsidies. The move signals a critical intervention to preserve the 1929 structure as it transitions into a new era of commercial use.
A Pioneer of Urban Engineering
Completed nearly a century ago, the building holds a distinguished place in American history as the first major structure built on railroad air rights. By successfully constructing a massive office complex over active tracks, its engineers pioneered a model for dense urban development that would later define much of modern Chicago and New York. While the Chicago Daily News long ago vacated its namesake headquarters, the building’s intricate stonework and riverfront presence remain essential to the West Loop’s visual character.
Financial Levers for Preservation
The recommendation comes under the stewardship of current owners, including Blue Star Properties: the developer known for the Salt Shed music venue. The landmark status is not merely honorary; it is a financial necessity. The $70 million in subsidies will offset the immense costs associated with updating the infrastructure of a Depression-era skyscraper. This strategy reflects the city’s ongoing effort to use historic preservation as a tool for real estate stabilization, ensuring that aging landmarks can compete with new, high-tech office developments.
Integrating History with Modernity
As the city moves toward a final vote, the preservation of 2 N. Riverside Plaza highlights the shifting nature of Chicago’s commercial core. While the press has moved on, the building itself remains a fixed asset. By securing these subsidies, the developers aim to maintain the architectural integrity of the Art Deco facade while modernizing the interior to meet contemporary standards, proving that Chicago’s heritage can be salvaged through strategic public-private investment.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times : April 1, 2026
