Two historic Near West Side churches would undergo preservation projects through a pair of Adopt-A-Landmark grants introduced to City Council today by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

First Baptist Congregational Church, at 1613 W. Washington Blvd., would receive $1.46 million for restoration work primarily focused on its 200-foot steeple. The grant would cover the entirety of project expenses. Completed in the same year as the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, the building was designated a City landmark on January 21, 1982.

Greater Union Baptist Church, at 1956 W. Warren Blvd., would receive $750,000 for critical restoration work on the 1896 building’s exterior masonry. The grant would cover the entirety of project expenses. One of three surviving churches designed by William Le Baron Jenney, the building was designated a City landmark April 19, 2023.

Adopt-A-Landmark grants support the restoration of designated Chicago landmarks throughout the city.  Funding is provided through the Neighborhood Opportunity Bonus system, which is funded through voluntary fees paid by downtown construction projects.