The Damen Silos, a set of long-abandoned grain elevators, have stood near the crossroads of Damen Avenue and the Stevenson expressway for over 100 years, but under new ownership, the historic site could soon face demolition. The silos have gained a reputation as a tourism destination, prompting calls from community organizers to preserve and repurpose the site for future generations.
Built in 1906 in Chicago’s McKinley Park neighborhood, the Damen Silos are a symbol of the city’s history as a grain manufacturing leader, according to Landmarks Illinois. The site has been abandoned since 1977 when an explosion rendered the facility unusable.
The silos have since become a popular destination for urban explorers, and served as the backdrop for blockbuster films like the 2014 Transformers movie “Age of Extinction.”
In 2022, the silos were listed for sale by the State of Illinois and soon purchased by Michael Tadin Jr., owner of local construction materials company MAT Asphalt. According to Landmarks Illinois, the sale was completed without community input, and while plans for the Silos are yet to be finalized, Tadin has signaled he intends to demolish the historic site.
Local preservationists and McKinley Park community organizers have banded together to advocate for preserving the site through adaptive reuse. Community leaders have stated the future of the Silos is significant for the neighborhood as it works to achieve environmental justice and sustainable development.
“Easily seen from I-55 and the CTA Orange Line, the Damen Silos are an iconic reminder of our community’s role in feeding America for over 30 years”, said the McKinley Park Community Council in a statement.
Landmarks Illinois has proposed community-conscious uses for the site including recreational amenities, public art installations, a music venue, and park space.
For now, the future of the site remains uncertain, but concerned citizens can support the preservation of the Damen Silos and learn more information by visiting Landmarks Illinois.
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