Landmark

Chicago’s White Castle Conundrum

Back in the day...
Back in the day… Photo: courtesy of White Castle

Slider fans rejoice! The Commission on Chicago Landmarks is getting ready to hear whether one of the very first White Castle locations (number 16, to be exact) should be given landmark status. According to architect blogger Lee Bey, a restoration in 2010 “brought back the building’s original detailing, including its crenelated tower,” making it one of the most well preserved first generation White Castle locations in the country. Great news, right? Well, it would be if it actually housed the hamburger chain, instead of Chef Luciano & Gourmet Chicken. In fact, it hasn’t been a White Castle in years, which makes the detailed 2010 restoration baffling, especially since a regular White Castle sits across the street from this one. So, what does everyone think of giving landmark status to a restaurant that is no longer that restaurant? [WBEZ]

Chicago’s White Castle Conundrum