The former Epworth United Methodist Church complex in Edgewater would be designated as an official Chicago landmark under a recommendation made to City Council today by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks. 

Located at 5253 N. Kenmore Ave., the complex includes a church building erected in 1891 and a three-story community house addition erected in 1930.  

Considered a rare example of fieldstone architecture in Chicago, the church was designed by congregation member Frederick B. Townsend with uncoursed granite boulders in its wall construction. Local firm Thielbar and Fugard designed the community house. 

The final religious service was held in the church in 2022. Currently owned by a private firm, the complex is expected to be converted to residential uses. 

The landmark designation would protect all exterior elevations of the former church and community house from alteration or demolition. 

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