Updated May 13, 2025

The Citywide Adopt-A-Landmark Fund provides grants to support the restoration of designated landmark buildings and structures throughout Chicago. The funds are generated by downtown construction projects that contribute to the Neighborhood Opportunity Bonus system. 

Project Eligibility

Properties that qualify for Adopt-A-Landmark grants include individually designated landmarks and contributing buildings in designated landmark districts. Adopt-A-Landmark Fund projects must meet the following conditions:

• Restoration projects must be consistent with Commission on Chicago Landmarks (CCL) standards and guidelines
• Scope of work must involve an exterior renovation that’s visible from the street or interior work that's accessible by the public, and routine maintenance is not eligible
• The CCL must approve the scope of work and associated budget for the restoration project pursuant to its standard review and approval process 

Selected projects require the review and approval of the full Landmarks Commission and potentially its Permit Review Committee. Grant amounts in excess of $250,000 require additional approval from City Council.

2025 Adopt-A-Landmark Applications

The 2025 Adopt-A-Landmark application period opened Monday, May 19, and applications are due by 4 p.m. Friday, August 15. A total of $875,000 is available for projects in this this funding round.

Download the application

An informational pre-application webinar will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 12. Registration is open now via Zoom.

Priority will be given to applications that align with the following evaluation criteria:

• Projects that have not been completed and that address exterior envelope issues.
• Projects that are located within Qualified Investment Areas.
• Projects that leverage additional project investment such that the requested Adopt-A-Landmark funds fill financing gaps.
• Projects that will have a positive, catalytic impact on the community in which they are located. The impact may be in the form of new permanent jobs created, commercial leasing to new businesses, providing new services, etc.
• Projects that address or prevent further deterioration of the subject property’s structural and architectural integrity caused by natural misfortune (storm damage, fire, flooding, etc.), or buildings that are situationally threatened as determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Projects that will rehabilitate vacant or underutilized buildings to make them ready for occupancy or improve their occupancy. This may include an interior and exterior scope of work with Adopt-A-Landmark funds to be used for qualified exterior work.
• Projects that are “shovel ready” and will be completed in 2 years.

DPD will also give preference to projects that meet the following funding priorities:

• Neighborhood anchors/commercial buildings — Neighborhood anchors and commercial buildings could be individually designated Chicago landmarks or contributing buildings within designated Chicago landmark districts. These types of buildings will be targeted for the positive stabilizing role they play in so many neighborhoods, including those that promote pedestrian activity, small business establishments and local commerce. Some examples of neighborhood anchor landmark buildings include institutions, legacy businesses, fieldhouses, restaurants, religious buildings and similar social gathering places. Neighborhood commercial landmark buildings are generally small-scale commercial buildings and or mixed-use buildings with residential uses on upper floors and ground-floor retail/commercial uses.
• Projects seeking grants below $250,000 — Due to the available resources for the 2025 Adopt-A-Landmark funding round, priority will be given to projects that seek less than $250,000 in Adopt-A-Landmark grants.

Questions on the application and the submittal process can be directed to Historic Preservation staff at landmarks@cityofchicago.org.

Details about finalists selected during the 2023 funding round are available online. The 2023 pre-registration meeting is posted on YouTube. A template of an Adopt-A-Landmark agreement is available for review for reference purposes only.