Preservation Chicago Includes the River North Lululemon in Their Annual 7 “Least Endangered Buildings” List

By Megan Rains

CHICAGO, IL - This week Preservation Chicago, a grassroots organization that protects historic architecture, released their annual list of Least Endangered Buildings in Chicago. The list comprises seven Chicago buildings the group is certain will not be lost to demolition or development in the coming year.

“The list was a lot less geographically diverse than it has been in past years,” mused long-time Preservation Chicago Publisher, Jill Ragland. “Usually we have a few neighborhoods represented on the list. At least two. Oh well. Without further ado, 2021 Least Endangered Buildings in Chicago are:

1.     River North Lululemon

2.     River North Portillos

3.     The Restaurant in Restoration Hardware (in River North)

4.     The New Starbucks Roastery - walkable from the Lululemon!

5.     Bird’s Nest - who just announced they’re delivering to River North now

6.     Old Town Happy Camper, but just the one bordering River North, not the Wicker Park one

7.     The Smaller Starbucks On Erie & Dearborn near the Starbucks Roastery – Preservationists found the community likes investing locally in “their” Starbucks

Preservation Chicago has also noted that churches, theatres, and buildings deemed “culturally significant” were the lowest on the list this year. However, they were excited to announce that the historic Water Tower in the Loop will reopen to the public as a Lululemon that also sells Frappuccinos.