In a decision that marks a significant shift from demolition to preservation, the federal government has opted to save two historic Loop skyscrapers, the Century and Consumers buildings, from destruction. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) detailed in its final environmental impact report plans to adaptively reuse the storied structures at 202 S. State St. and 220 S. State St., along with a smaller building between them, at 214 S. State St.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the vacant buildings will not face the wrecking ball as previously envisioned, despite a $52 million Congressional appropriation for demolition in 2022 prompted by security concerns related to their proximity to the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, acquired after a bombing attempt in 2005. The GSA set forth a recommendation to lease the structures for redevelopment, subject to a series of security-driven restrictions. In an environmental impact statement, the agency left open the possibility of exceptions for developers with the financial wherewithal to execute the project successfully.

Adding to their substantial cultural value, the Century and Consumers buildings, which were completed in 1915 and 1913 respectively, are considered the last remnants of the Chicago School of Architecture. They have also been at the top of Preservation Chicago's list of endangered buildings for three consecutive years. As reported by WBEZ, Preservation Chicago had once rallied support from 20 religious orders, including Dominican University in River Forest, to transform the skyscrapers into a comprehensive Chicago Collaborative Archive Center, alongside museums and other non-religious entities.

A record of the GSA's decision is expected to be published in September, which will commence the process of revitalization. As per WBEZ, the GSA will request lease proposals, moving one step closer to writing a new chapter in the storied past of these architectural staples; the specifics of the lease arrangements and what forms of occupancy will be allowed in the buildings will be determined by the ability of prospective developers to satisfy the set restrictions and advance the GSA's adaptive reuse goals.

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