What’s That Building: St. Boniface
What’s That Building: St. Boniface
In the latest “What’s That Building,” The Morning Shift talks to Ward Miller of Preservation Chicago about the story behind Saint Boniface Church and its place in Chicago’s history.
Paintings and frescos of saints and biblical scenes in the dome above where the alter used to be.
Jason Marck/WBEZ
Paintings and frescos of saints and biblical scenes in the dome above where the alter used to be.
Jason Marck/WBEZ
For years Saint Boniface Church in West Town has nearly faced the wrecking ball, with preservationists fighting to save it as a local historical icon.
Looking back south from the alter into the cavernous expanse of the church. The columns are painted to look like marble, but they’re actually plaster around steel beams.
Jason Marck/WBEZ
Looking back south from the alter into the cavernous expanse of the church. The columns are painted to look like marble, but they’re actually plaster around steel beams.
Jason Marck/WBEZ
Though Saint Boniface was once a sight to behold at its home on Chestnut Street, the more-than-a-century-old church has fallen into disrepair since closing in 1990.
4-sided fresco in the main dome. Attempts will be made to save it, but it may prove difficult.
Jason Marck/WBEZ
4-sided fresco in the main dome. Attempts will be made to save it, but it may prove difficult.
Jason Marck/WBEZ
The derelict yet somehow beautiful Romanesque church was recently saved once again by a developer hoping to repurpose the building for the community.