21 Oct noted midcentury architect joseph bagnuolo’s santa maria addolorata catholic church undergoing demolition

recent demolition images of santa maria addolorata catholic church, located at 528/598 n. ada street and 1315 w. ohio street in chicago’s noble square/east village neighborhood.

completed in 1960 by noted midcentury architect joseph bagnuolo, the church was acclaimed as a masterpiece of modern religious design. its signature feature was a series of extraordinary dalle de verre (chunk-glass) stained-glass walls.

unlike conventional stained glass, in which thin panes are joined by lead cames, these walls embedded thick pieces of colored glass directly in a structural concrete matrix, surrounding worshippers with colored light.

ironically, this defining feature also hindered preservation: real estate representatives said the massive integrated walls made the building impractical to repurpose for nonprofit or commercial use, clearing the way for demolition.

images courtesy of eric john nordstrom and the bld. 51 archive. all rights reserved. 2026.