Fire tears through historic Western Felt Works factory building in North Lawndale

A fire tore through a historic textile factory in North Lawndale on Friday night, raising concerns of preservationists about the site’s planned demolition.

Fire Response and Aftermath

Firefighters responded to the blaze in the Western Felt Works building at 4155 W. Ogden Ave. around 10:30 p.m. Friday. The blaze was struck down less than an hour later. No injuries were reported.

The fire department did not return requests for comment Saturday about when the fire was struck out or the extent of the damage.

Historic Significance of the Building

The Western Felt Works building, which was built in 1916, is one of three industrial buildings near Ogden and Keeler avenues on the Endangered Buildings List compiled by Preservation Chicago, an organization committed to protecting historic structures across the city.

The buildings are undergoing demolition as part of a warehouse redevelopment project involving the Western Felt Works building and the two neighboring Turner Manufacturing Co. buildings at 4147-4151 W. Ogden Ave.

IDI Logistics, which is leading the project, plans to build a 246,200-square-foot warehouse in the site’s place.

Preservationists’ Concerns

Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, said the fire was “heart-wrenchingly tragic in every regard.”

“This is a huge loss for Chicago and for the neighborhood culturally, historically, architecturally and most importantly, environmentally,” Miller said.

The Western Felt Works building was designed by architect R.C. Fletcher, and produced felt products during World War II that were essential in helping the allies win the war, Miller said. The factory operated in Chicago for nearly a century.

But its destruction is more than a historical loss for the city, Miller said. The fire also poses environmental concerns for the surrounding neighborhood.

Community Concerns

Miller said the site’s demolition permit, which was granted in August, should be rescinded until a full investigation is conducted into the cause of the fire.

“The community has been in opposition to this proposal for almost a year now, and it’s tragic that our leaders or elected officials can’t understand and work with the community toward preservation of these structures,” Miller said.

FAQs

* What is the Western Felt Works building?
The Western Felt Works building is a historic textile factory located in North Lawndale that was built in 1916.
* What is the current status of the building?
The building was heavily damaged in a fire on Friday night and is currently off-limits due to the fire and demolition planned for the site.
* What is the plan for the site?
The site is being redeveloped by IDI Logistics, which plans to build a 246,200-square-foot warehouse in the site’s place.
* What are the concerns of preservationists?
Preservationists are concerned about the loss of the building, its historical significance, and the potential environmental impacts of the demolition and redevelopment of the site.