July 09--Although the Chicago's landmarks commission granted preliminary landmark status to Marina City on Thursday, permanent protection for the riverfront complex is not yet a sure thing.
The chief question is whether the owner of the hotel and commercial portions of the complex -- LaSalle Hotel Properties, a real estate investment trust based in Bethesda, Md. -- will consent to landmark designation.
Although the city of Chicago has the power to landmark most properties even if the owners do not go along, city officials prefer to get consent to avoid costly legal battles.
The Marina Towers Condo Association, which represents the owners of the complex's nearly 900 apartments, is neutral on the issue of landmark status. In a 2003 agreement with the owners of the complex's hotel, the association pledged that it will not initiate or support any move to grant landmark status to the complex. LaSalle Hotel Properties purchased Marina City's hotel and retail space in 2006.
At Thursday's landmarks commission meeting, a commission official said that Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd, who unsuccessfully pushed for landmark designation for Marina City in 2008, had initiated the current drive for landmark designation.
Reilly and LaSalle Hotel Properties did not respond to requests for comment.
Landmarks officials said they expect public hearings on the proposed designation for Marina City. The City Council has final say on landmark status.
bkamin@tribpub.com
