Army Corps of Engineers approves Damen Silos demolition

The Army Corps of Engineers has approved a permit to demolish the Damen Silos, over a year after it was announced that they would be reviewing the pending demolition and would be requiring their own permit. 

Situated along the South Branch of the Chicago River, the Damen Silos have been an iconic part of Chicago industrial and agricultural history for over a century. The silos were closed in 1977 and have enjoyed a second life in recent years as a film site and destination for unofficial urban tourism. 

MAT Limited bought the silos and the 23-acre site from the State of Illinois after they decided to unload the property.

The demolition permit from the Army Corps includes some specific stipulations, including a requirement to install three educational displays about the site’s history and salvaging wood, brick, and other architectural elements to be preserved. The owner must also preserve and reuse the existing loading ramps that are integrated in the foundation of one of the buildings. 

While early considerations included a new headquarters for his business, owner Michael Tadin Jr. has stated that the redevelopment plan for the site has not been finalized. 

While the federal approval has been secured, the owner still needs city approvals for the five submitted demolition permits. If approved, demolition would begin in early 2025 with Heneghan Wrecking & Excavating in charge of the demolition.