A $141 million adaptive reuse plan was initially approved in 2017 by then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel, but the city decided to change direction only a few months later after an FBI security assessment determined that the two buildings’ continued existence creates too much risk for the iconic adjacent Chicago Federal Center.

Per the group Preservation Chicago: “The Century Building is historically unique for two important reasons. First, the distinct vertical expression of the building’s exterior elevations portends the transition from the Chicago School buildings of the late 19th century to the early decades of the 20th century. Emphasis of verticality is achieved with strong vertical bands and understated recessed spandrels. Second, the overall design of the façade ornament is a rare example of Neo-Manueline (inspired by the historic Portuguese style) influenced architecture in the Midwest. The proliferation of complex ornament around building openings, such as windows and doors, features shields with dragons, botanical motifs, and pinnacles, and contributes to the diversity of the architectural environment within the Chicago Loop.”

As Federal property, both buildings are subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which requires that the GSA take into consideration the potential public reception to any demolition efforts and impacts on historic structures including the Mies van der Rohe-designed Federal Center. The process will be drawn out until at least 2024 when demolition will commence barring a reassessment brought about by a series of public meetings which will take place throughout next year.

The Consumers and Century Buildings (at 291 and 185 feet) would be the 2nd and 3rd tallest buildings ever demolished in Chicago. Let's not do that. https://t.co/0hD2G1GrR7
— Andy Marfia (@AndyMarfia) March 10, 2022

“We wrote a letter to the mayor’s office that I think went on to the GSA, saying that for $52 million, you could have [made up] the lost revenue [of not having] any windows on the Dirksen side of the building,” Chicago Loop Alliance president and CEO Michael Edwards told the Sun-Times. “And we’d have the historic Chicago fabric that makes State Street that ‘Great Street.’ We protect these things. We don’t tear them down.”