Since 2006, Landmarks Illinois has honored more than 40 individuals, families and corporations at its annual fundraiser, the Legendary Landmarks Celebration. Below are the people and corporations Landmarks Illinois has honored for helping shape Chicago’s civic and cultural skyline. Learn more about the event.
Timuel D. Black Jr. is a noted civil rights leader, educator, historian, author and WWII veteran who has devoted his life to promoting Black history. At age 100, Mr. Black continues to give tours to young people in Bronzeville and share the stories of historic and culturally significant places on Chicago’s South Side, where he has spent most of his life.
Learn More
Joseph P. Gromacki, a senior partner at the law firm of Jenner & Block LLP, is a civic leader and an active patron of the arts, serving on the boards of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Terra Foundation for American Art, the Richard H. Driehaus Museum, the Illinois Governor’s Mansion Association, and several other organizations. A member of the National Trust Council and Landmarks Illinois Emeritus Board, he has championed many historic preservation efforts.
Learn More
The Walsh Group, founded in 1898, is a fourth-generation family-owned, Chicago-based business providing services and finance for a wide variety of construction projects nationwide. They are the lead contractor on Chicago’s iconic Old Cook County Hospital project, a historic asset Landmarks Illinois advocated to save for 19 years. Co-Chairmen Matthew Walsh (pictured) and Daniel J. Walsh will accept the honor.
Learn More
Wintrust, the second largest Illinois-based financial institution, remains true to its community banking origins. Accepting the award is President & CEO Edward J. Wehmer (pictured).
Read More
Judith and Raymond McCaskey are dedicated civic leaders and philanthropists, they are involved with causes ranging from empowering Chicago youth to chairing the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation.
Read More
Murphy Development Group is undertaking the visionary mixed-use redevelopment of Chicago’s iconic Old Cook County Hospital, a historic asset Landmarks Illinois advocated to save for nearly 20 years. John T. Murphy (pictured), Chairman & CEO of MDG, will accept the honor on behalf of his company.
Read More
Daniel Levin is a Chicago-based civic and business leader. He is Founder and Chairman of The Habitat Company, which, since 1972, has developed numerous residential buildings including market rate, affordable and condominium.
Read More
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has been a dedicated community leader for over two decades. She has worked with the Cook County Board of Commissioners, elected officials and county employees to implement major reform and reshape county government through fiscal responsibility, innovative leadership, transparency & accountability, and improved services.
Read More
Fred Berglund is a third-generation owner of Berglund Construction, the 2018 Corporate Landmark, and has served as president of the now 107-year-old company since 1995.
Read More
Daniel McCaffery is CEO of McCaffery Interests, a full-service commercial real estate company that has been in the business of investing, developing, leasing and managing real estate for more than 25 years.
Read More
Fred Eychaner is a longtime civil rights and peace activist whose work has affected Chicago and the nation for more than 40 years. He is known for his philanthropy in the city, especially his support of LGBT organizations, HIV support organizations, arts institutions, public spaces and historic preservation.
Read More
Richard Hunt is an accomplished artist, whose work can be found in numerous museums as well as both public and private collections, including the Art Institute of Chicago, the National Gallery and National Museum of American Art in Washington, D.C.
Read More
W.E. O’Neil’s award-winning family of construction companies, both employee- and family-owned, is recognized as an industry leader, bringing an impressive history of customers and projects.
Learn More
For three generations, the Neal family has collectively championed Chicago as a world-class city and left its mark on its physical and cultural landscape.
Learn More
Jennifer N. Pritzker is a retired U.S. Army officer, investor and philanthropist with a passion for restoration and preservation.
Learn More
Bulley & Andrews construction firm has restored many of Illinois’ most important historic landmarks including: Robie House, the Richard H. Driehaus Museum and the Chicago Athletic Association.
Learn More
Tim Samuelson, cultural historian for the City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, has been instrumental in celebrating and protecting Chicago’s past.
Learn More
Rocky Wirtz and the Wirtz Corporation owns and manages Chicago properties, including the historic Art Deco landmark at 333 N. Michigan Avenue.
Learn More
Joseph M. Antunovich, AIA, is the Founder and President of Antunovich Associates, a 90-person architectural, planning and interior design firm with offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Learn More
Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates has developed an expanded practice that includes space development, object making, performance and critical engagement with many publics.
Learn More
Tangley Oaks, Terlato’s headquarters, exemplifies the Terlato family’s commitment to quality. John Terlato spearheaded the restoration of the property, which was originally commissioned in 1916 by meat packing heir Philip D. Armour, III and his wife Gwendolen Condon.
Learn More
Leslie Hindman founded Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in 1982, and for the past three decades has remained a constant force behind high profile auctions.
Learn More
John W. McCarter, Jr. is President Emeritus of the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, where he served as President and CEO for 16 years.
Learn More
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation opened its first store in 1962 and today serves guests at nearly 1800 trend-forward discount retail stores and at Target.com.
Learn More
Abbott is a global, diversified pharmaceutical and medical products company founded in Chicago in 1888 by Dr. Wallace Calvin Abbott.
Learn More
Grace Barry’s distinguished career of service uniquely combines senior management experience in business, civic, government and cultural organizations.
Learn More
A lifetime Chicagoan, Father Jack Wall was ordained in 1968, after receiving his M.Div. and S.T.L. from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. He has served in numerous capacities for the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Learn More
Virginia and Norman Bobins are active with civic and charitable boards throughout Chicago and Illinois.
Learn More
Alexandra & John Nichols both have had a hand in historic preservation projects recognized by the Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards.
Learn More
John Vinci has established a reputation for excellence in the restoration of historic architecture and the design of new buildings.
Learn More
Ernie Banks is known throughout the sports world simply as “Mr. Cub.” He is the first sports figure to be honored as a “Legendary Landmark.”
Learn More
Lee Flaherty is CEO of Flair Communications Agency, a Chicago based marketing agency that he founded in 1964.
Learn More
Harold Ramis is a screenwriter, director and actor whose films include some of the most popular and influential comedies of our time.
Learn More
Richard H. Driehaus, CEO of Driehaus Capital Management, is a key figure in the Chicago Historic Preservation movement through both the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and the Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Trusts.
Learn More
Susan & Lew Manilow have served on many local and national boards and councils, including Mount Sinai Hospital and Health System, the National Parks Foundation, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.
Learn More
Michael Kutza is the founder and artistic director of the Annual Chicago International Film Festival and is an award-winning filmmaker and graphic designer.
Learn More
Gerald Arpino co-founded the Joffrey Ballet with Robert Joffrey in 1956 and served as associate director.
Learn More
Bernie Sahlins is a co-founder of Chicago’s famous Second City improvisational comedy troupe, for which he produced and directed 65 shows during his decades-long association.
Learn More
Jane Nicholl Sahlins was born and educated in the UK, and worked for Granada, the BBC and CBS News throughout her career.
Learn More
Victor Skrebneski is world famous for his fashion and advertising photography.
Learn More
Active in the arts, Bryan is chairman of the board of trustees of The Art Institute of Chicago.
Learn More
An art dealer for 43 years, Richard Gray is devoted to bringing the arts to a wider audience.
Learn More
A three-time Grammy Award winner, Chicago native Ramsey Lewis has been referred to as “the great performer,” performing with over 25 symphony orchestras throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Learn More
Lois Weisberg, Commissioner of Cultural Affairs for the City of Chicago, is responsible for an astonishing array of cultural innovations enjoyed by Chicagoan and visitors alike.
Learn MoreBe a voice for the future of our communities by supporting Landmarks Illinois. Our work enhances communities, empowers citizens, promotes local economic development and offers environmentally sound solutions.