Introduction to the Damen Silos Demolition Halt

The city of Chicago has halted the demolition of the historic Damen Silos due to “excessive dust,” according to Ald. Julia Ramirez.

Background on the Demolition

Ramirez said the city Department of Public Health has issued a “stop-work order” at the site, which is near South Damen Avenue along the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near the Stevenson Expressway.
The demolition began in July. Now, it’s on hold until the health department, which is responsible for making sure that dust is contained, has reviewed a revised demolition plan from the owner and contractor.

Involvement of City Departments

The city Department of Buildings also has to sign off on the plan. A buildings department spokeswoman confirmed that the demolition was paused.
Ramirez said health officials told her that the stoppage is likely to only be temporary. Much of the demolition is already complete.

History of the Damen Silos

The former grain silos, which have been idle for decades, and the more than 20 acres around the structures were bought by city contractor Michael Tadin Jr. and his family in 2022.
Tadin purchased the property from Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration for $6.5 million. Tadin declined to comment on the work stoppage and hasn’t said what he will do with the land once the silos are torn down.

Community and Preservationist Appeals

Tadin was unswayed by community and preservationists’ appeals to save the structures and somehow repurpose them.
The work — with Heneghan Wrecking as the demolition contractor — is viewed by city officials as an “environmentally complex” demolition because of the size of the job and the potential for creating harmful pollution, such as massive amounts of dust.
Heneghan officials didn’t immediately return a call seeking comment.

Precedent for Environmentally Complex Demolitions

The environmentally complex term was created after the 2020 Crawford coal plant implosion in Little Village that left the community blanketed in dust.
At the time, Chicago officials gave a private developer, Hilco Redevelopment, the go-ahead to take down an almost 400-foot chimney at the coal plant through implosion.
There are no implosions allowed with the Damen Silos.

Conclusion

The halt in the demolition of the Damen Silos due to excessive dust is a significant development, highlighting the importance of environmental and health considerations in large-scale demolition projects. The city’s decision to pause the work until a revised plan is reviewed and approved ensures that the potential risks associated with the demolition are mitigated, protecting both the community and the environment.

FAQs

• Q: Why was the demolition of the Damen Silos halted?
  A: The demolition was halted due to “excessive dust” as per the city Department of Public Health.
• Q: Who purchased the Damen Silos property?
  A: The property was purchased by city contractor Michael Tadin Jr. and his family in 2022.
• Q: What is the status of the demolition plan?
  A: The demolition is on hold until the health department reviews a revised demolition plan from the owner and contractor, and the city Department of Buildings signs off on the plan.
• Q: Are implosions allowed for the Damen Silos demolition?
  A: No, implosions are not allowed for the Damen Silos demolition.