Finkl Plant Moving, Taking Steelwork Dreams With Them

By Sean Corbett in News on Dec 8, 2006 9:58PM

Lincoln Park’s best connection to the history of this city as a center of industry is on the way out. Schmolz+Bickenbach A.G., a German company, agreed to purchase A. Finkl and Sons steel plant and has decided to relocate the growing business. The new location will either be on the far south side or in Canada.

We find it ironic that a corporation from Germany, where history and tradition are enough reason to put disadvantageous restrictions on the behavior of companies, is making the decision to move the plant. Chicagoist has often driven past the plant and marveled at its magnitude, its machines, and its tenacity to stay located in a neighborhood that’s anything but industrial. Maybe we should take a lesson from the Germans and write a new law to keep the plant around?

Since the plant is probably on its way out, we’re going to let you in on a little driving shortcut that we’ve been keeping secret: the Clybourn/Elston corridor express route. There are two roads between the two major arteries but east of the river, running right through the heart of the scrap yards in that area. Kingsbury Street and Marcey Street used to supply the multitude of industries just off of Clybourn Avenue but are now reserved for the extremely street savvy. This little detour is especially effective on Saturday mornings when Clybourn is bumper to bumper from Willow to Webster or so.

Chicagoist sheds a tear for an institution that reminds us of the history of this city, an institution that showed us how cool molten steel looks for the first time. Our dreams of growing up to be steelworkers are leaving with them.

Thanks to paytonc for the image!