History Preserved: DePaul's Byrne Hall & Cortelyou Commons Are On Their Way to Becoming Chicago Landmarks

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Lincoln Park · May 21, 2026

Lincoln Park's deep architectural roots got a major nod this week when the City Council's zoning committee advanced landmark status for two beloved buildings right on DePaul University's campus. Byrne Hall at 2219 N. Kenmore Ave. and Cortelyou Commons at 2324 N. Fremont St. — both more than a century old — cleared a key hurdle on Tuesday, putting them one step away from full Chicago landmark designation.

Byrne Hall, completed in 1907, is among the oldest academic buildings at DePaul, while Cortelyou Commons has served the community since 1929–30, originally built as a dining hall for the McCormick Theological Seminary and today functioning as a beloved event and gathering space for the university. DePaul agreed to support the landmarking of both properties as part of a broader deal to develop a new athletics facility on its Lincoln Park campus — a sign of the university's commitment to honoring its historic footprint even as it invests in its future.

For Lincoln Park neighbors, Tuesday's vote is a win for the neighborhood's sense of place and architectural character. Once the full City Council signs off, these two campus gems will join the growing list of protected treasures that give Lincoln Park its unmistakable, history-rich feel. Keep an eye on the next City Council meeting — landmark status for Byrne Hall and Cortelyou Commons is almost official!

Sources:
1. https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/05/19/lincoln-park-landmarks-rogers-park-apartments-among-projects-to-get-key-zoning-approval/