Front Building at Western Felt Works Survives Massive Fire During Demolition

“A fire tore through a historic textile factory in North Lawndale on Friday night, raising concerns of preservationists about the site’s planned demolition.

“The fire started in the Western Felt Works building at 4155 W. Ogden Ave., according to reports from the Chicago Fire Department, which was on scene around 10:30 p.m. to control the blaze.

“The cause of the blaze also remained unknown, but it raised concerns among local preservationists amid the site’s ongoing demolition.

“The Western Felt Works building, which was built in 1916, is one of three industrial buildings near Ogden and Keeler avenues on the Endangered Buildings List compiled by Preservation Chicago, an organization committed to protecting historic structures across the city.

"The buildings are undergoing demolition as part of a warehouse redevelopment project involving the Western Felt Works building and the two neighboring Turner Manufacturing Co. buildings at 4147-4151 W. Ogden Ave.

“IDI Logistics, which is leading the project, plans to build a 246,200-square-foot warehouse in the site’s place.