The Commission on Chicago Landmarks today recommended a preliminary landmark designation for Chicago's oldest known fast food restaurant building.
 
Built in 1930 at 43 E. Cermak Road, the diminutive, one-story structure was operated by White Castle System of Eating Houses until 1944.

According to the Commission's preliminary report, the turreted, castle-like building reflects the pioneering use of programmatic architecture by White Castle, considered "the father" of U.S. fast food chains. The design was intended to advertise the purity and permanence of the business of selling hamburgers which, until then, was largely considered by the public as a "carnival food" of questionable quality.

White Castle founder Billy Ingram said the design was loosely modeled on Chicago's historic Water Tower, according to the report.
 
The 150-square-foot facility was restored to its original appearance as part of a 2010 rehabilitation by its current operator, Chef Luciano. Approximately half of the $280,000 project was financed through the Department of Housing and Economic Development's Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF), which allocates Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues for small business assistance projects in designated TIF districts throughout the city.
 
The work included replacement of missing turrets, piers, and light fixtures to match the building's original design. The windows were also replaced and the masonry exterior was repaired to match historic finishes. Additional improvements were made inside the building in support of its ongoing use as a restaurant.
 
With the initial vote on Thursday to begin the consideration process, a final vote by the Commission to recommend a landmark designation could come later this year.

The Commission on Chicago Landmarks is a nine-member board responsible for recommending properties for possible landmark designation to City Council. Established in 1968, the board also reviews proposed work affecting designated landmarks and landmark districts. The Commission is staffed by the Historic Preservation Division of the Department of Housing and Economic Development.   

As of Jan. 1, 2011, 349 Chicago landmarks have been designated by the City Council, including 296 individual designations and 53 landmark districts. Some 9,500 properties are protected by the ordinance.