Overview

• MAT Limited applied for five demolition permits, including federal approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, after purchasing the site and over 20 surrounding acres for $6.5 million in December 2022.
• The Army Corps has signed off on a target early-2025 demolition, but the City of Chicago Department of Buildings has not yet issued its local permit.
• Preservation Chicago and the McKinley Park Development Council have gathered more than 400 petition signatures and proposed converting the site into public parkland and permanent festival grounds.
• Local leaders held a June 27 press conference urging state lawmakers to invoke eminent domain to transfer the property back to public ownership for redevelopment.
• Owner Michael Tadin Jr. has stated he has no intention to sell the property and plans to move forward with demolition despite community opposition.