Appellate court upholds Chicago's landmark law

The Illinois Appellate Court has upheld a Chicago landmarks ordinance designed to protect hundreds of historic buildings and 50 neighborhood districts.

The ordinance approved by the court establishes rules on whether a building or area in Chicago is worthy of landmark protection. The law limits owners' ability to make changes to landmarked property.

In Thursday's ruling, the three-judge panel ruled the ordinance is not vague or overly broad, rejecting a primary challenge from the plaintiffs. However, the court said plaintiffs can challenge the creation of landmark districts in two neighborhoods.

The case centers on the Arlington-Deming neighborhood in Lincoln Park and the East Village neighborhood near Wicker Park, both deemed historic by the city.

Plaintiffs' attorney Thomas Ramsdel says his clients will continue the case over the two districts.