Chicago's famous corn-cobbed Marina Towers have been granted preliminary landmark status but hurdles still remain for the Chicago River mainstay to receive permanent protection.
Chicago's landmarks commission granted the status on Thursday. But the Chicago Tribune reports that the question remains whether LaSalle Hotel Properties, which owns commercial portions of the complex, will consent to landmark designation. The company didn't immediately have comment on Friday.
City officials can grant landmark status without owner consent but prefer to have it. The buildings were designed by Chicago architect Bertrand Goldberg and finished in 1963.
Commission officials say Alderman Brendan Reilly initiated the current push for landmark designation.
City landmarks officials say they expect public hearings on the designation. The Chicago City Council has final determination on the complex's landmark status.
