Developer Lists Historic School in Chicago’s Bronzeville

A historic Catholic school building in Bronzeville, slated for demolition and redevelopment, has temporarily escaped the wrecking ball as it was put back on the market.

The former Holy Angels school, dating to 1887, was listed for sale this week at just under $1.1 million, Crain’s reported. Developer Eagle OZ purchased it from the Archdiocese of Chicago for $725,000 in September.

Jamie Nahon, CEO of Eagle OZ, acquired the property, at 545 East Oakwood Boulevard, with plans to construct a 48-unit, four-story apartment building. Nahon said he is still pursuing funding for the project but is also open to selling the site or developing it under new ownership.

Nahon maintains that the deteriorated building, closed since 2018, is beyond saving, citing asbestos, structural instability, and wide hallways ill-suited for residential conversion.

“It’s nice on the outside, but inside, it’s dangerous and would cost millions to restore,” he told the outlet. “Bronzeville needs housing.”

Ward Miller of Preservation Chicago argues the structure is ripe for adaptive reuse, suggesting its classrooms could be converted into apartments. Brian Flannery, a local resident and member of the Oakwood Boulevard Neighbors Association, called demolition “criminal,” adding that the school represents resilience through Bronzeville’s historic struggles with segregation.

The building’s legacy extends back to its establishment by the Sisters of Mercy, who rebuilt its student body during the Great Migration by integrating Black educators and students under Sister Hortensia’s leadership.

Community opposition to the proposed redevelopment has been vocal. Alderman Lamont Robinson rescinded support for the project last year following resident outcry. A new buyer has until June to inherit the site’s current permits; after that, securing demolition approval may become more challenging.

— Andrew Terrell