The former Epworth United Methodist Church complex in Edgewater was designated as an official Chicago landmark by City Council today.

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 an exterior comprised of granite boulders. 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 company, the complex is expected to be converted to residential uses. The landmark designation protects all exterior elevations of the complex from alteration or demolition.

###