MK Construction Demolishes Historic West Town Church
The former Santa Maria Addolorata Church site is being cleared to make way for six new residential homes in Chicago.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Home Renovation
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MK Construction has completed the demolition of the Santa Maria Addolorata Church in Chicago's West Town neighborhood. The site, which served the community for 60 years, is now slated for the development of six new residential properties.
Why it matters
The demolition marks the end of a six-decade-long local presence, prompting community members to seek tangible pieces of the building to preserve their connection to the former parish.
The church building stood at the intersection of Ohio and Ada for 60 years before being demolished. The project replaces the historic structure with a planned total of six new residential homes.
The players
MK Construction
MK Construction is the property developer responsible for the demolition of the Santa Maria Addolorata Church and the subsequent residential construction project.
Santa Maria Addolorata Church
The Santa Maria Addolorata Church was a long-standing religious institution in the West Town area of Chicago that served the community for six decades.
The details
During the demolition, construction crews carefully salvaged stained-glass windows, crosses, and other religious relics from the building. These items were placed along the construction site fence, allowing local neighbors to collect them as mementos of the parish history.
Timeline
The church was established at Ohio and Ada in 1960.
Residents began requesting pieces of the building in August 2026.
The developer distributed salvaged relics to neighbors the week of October 18, 2026.
Culture Shift
This project reflects the ongoing Chicago neighborhood densification trend that prioritizes high-density residential housing over legacy institutional structures. It highlights a broader shift as developers redevelop aging city properties to meet contemporary housing needs.
Residents in West Town may notice ongoing construction activity at the intersection of Ohio and Ada as the site transitions from demolition to active residential development. Those who collected salvaged relics now hold tangible pieces of the neighborhood's history following the parish closure.
The takeaway
The transformation of the church site reflects the changing residential landscape of West Town as developers increase local housing stock. Residents interested in neighborhood development can track municipal permits to stay informed about future construction timelines in their area.
Further reading
For more on how historic properties are being repurposed across the city, read the latest updates in Chicago Home Renovation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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