The latest list of “most endangered historic places in Illinois” includes landmarks around the Chicago area. The seventh annual compilation, released today by the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois, cites:
* Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple in Oak Park, suffering from roof leaks, water damage and cracked concrete eves as backers seek $4 million in restoration funding.
* The DuPage Theatre in Lombard, where a village committee is reviewing plans for restoration or demolition.
* And the Platt Luggage/Ginn and Co. building at 2301 S. Prairie Ave., scheduled for demolition this summer to make way for a parking garage for the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority.
* From this morning’s paper
South Side ammonia leak injures seven
At least seven people were injured and dozens of workers were evacuated from an industrial park following a leak of anhydrous ammonia at a cold-storage plant on Chicago’s South Side this morning.
The leak, which firefighters attributed to a refrigeration system at Stampede Meat Inc., 4551 S. Racine Ave., began around 6 a.m. But firefighters pronounced it “secured” at 7:45 a.m., and by 9 a.m. police had reopened Racine between 43rd and 47th Streets to traffic. Fire Chief Bill Norris said the leak’s victims included four police officers, one firefighter and two civilians — one a female employee, who was taken to Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, where she was listed in serious condition.
* Latest news update
On to November
In an election that Cook County Clerk David Orr’s office said drew the lowest county voter turnout — just 23 percent — on record, dating back to 1960, the roles have been cast for Illinois’ fall election drama.
In a pair of the most contested congressional races on the ballot, North Shore Republicans picked Mark Steven Kirk from a field of 10 running to replace 10th District Rep. John Porter while U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush turned away three challengers to claim the Democratic nomination for another term.
In the Illinois Supreme Court contests, Cook County Criminal Court Presiding Judge Thomas R. Fitzgerald won the Democrats’ nod in Cook County; and former Chicago Bears placekicker Bob Thomas took the Republican nomination in DuPage County.
In a surprise — considering the traditional strength of Chicago’s Democratic Machine in low-turnout elections — Chicago Transit Authority general auditor Dorothy Brown defeated the regular party favorite, Ald. Patrick Levar (45th), to take the Democratic nomination for clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court.
In reversal of recent historic trends, the unofficial returns suggested that voters across Cook County gave near-universal approval to referendums on money for school expansion and improvements.
* Other referendum coverage:
— Southwest Cook County
— Northwest Cook County
— DuPage
— Lake County
— McHenry County
* Virtual ballot: results for your neighborhood
* Complete Illinois primary results
Bank One cleans house, sells real estate business
Chicago-based Bank One Corp. today announced the sale of its $2.15 billion real estate loan portfolio — including 97 Banc One Financial Services offices and most employees in 29 states — to Prospect Heights, Ill.-based Household International. Terms weren’t disclosed. Household said it would offer jobs to almost 900 of the 1,100 workers affected.
The Wall Street Journal reported today that Bank One, the nation’s fifth largest bank company, has hired investment bankers to advise it on the possible sale of its Internet-only subsidiary, WingspanBank.com, which has drawn 100,000 customers in nine months; but company officials declined to comment on those reports.
* Latest business update
Near North bistro closed for health violations
Cyrano’s Bistro and Wine Bar, 546 N. Wells St., remains closed today, following citations Tuesday for what the Chicago Department of Public Health called numerous violations of the city’s health code — including improper food storage, inadequate plumbing and evidence of rodent infestation. The city said the business will not get its license back until it can confirm correction of all violations.
* From this morning’s paper: O’Hare bars closed for liquor license breach
Harrah’s ups ante in Illinois
Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. is poised to become the first gambling firm to control more than one location in Illinois. The Illinois Gaming Board gave final approval Tuesday to Harrah’s $575 million dollar buyout of the troubled Players International Inc., which owns a casino in Downstate Metropolis. The deal would likely make Harrah’s the country’s third-largest operator of casinos, with 21 worldwide.
* From this morning’s paper
Test tubes, yes; boob tubes, no
The Museum of Science and Industry this week celebrates the 50th anniversary of Chicago Public Schools science fairs.
* From this morning’s paper
Orland theater ready to super-size it
Milwaukee-based Marcus Theatres Corp. said it hopes to begin construction this spring on four new stadium-sized auditoriums to be added to the company’s 14-screen complex at 163rd Street and La Grange Road in Orland Park — including one Ultra View screen three times the size of a conventional screen. A company spokesman said Marcus expects to complete construction by Christmas.
* From this morning’s paper
In sports
The Blackhawks beat Phoenix, 3-0, stretching their unbeaten streak to six games. Without the newly liberated John Starks, the Bulls visit New York, 6:30 p.m.
Full schedule in Sports.
DAYWATCH
Coming up . . .
FitzGerald’s presents folksinger Robert Earl Keen. . . . Allstate Arena hosts Britney Spears. . . . Filter checks in at the Riviera Theatre. . . . Double Door welcomes Muse.
———-
News tips, comments or suggestions for Daywatch? Write us: Daywatch@tribune.com
