For the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois, the answer is simple: put down the blowtorch. This year, two high-profile historic buildings have been destroyed by torch-related accidents. The Pilgrim Baptist Church, a centenarian Adler and Sullivan beauty, smoldered in January, and just a few weeks ago, scrap workers accidentally torched the Wirt Dexter Building using the same tool. The LPC calls for new laws restricting such cutting and welding operations at historic sites. Beyond these... more ›

On Monday, five Chicago Buildings Department employees gave depositions as a part of a lawsuit filed on behalf of a victim of the June 2003 Lincoln Park porch collapse. The five employees were three inspectors and two supervisors and in their depositions they all said they little or no training on porches and most of them admitted they had no prior construction experience. more ›

This week has been a rough one for the amateur impersonation circuit here in Chicago. Police are no longer fooled as two members of the Chicago guild gave less than stellar performances this week. more ›