Historic White Castle to be razed in Whiting
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One of the first White Castles to be built in the greater Chicago area is set to be demolished. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report the 88-year-old restaurant in downtown Whiting is being torn down in favor an updated, modern version of the fast food outlet.
The original building opened in 1935 at 1879 Indianapolis Blvd. in the city’s downtown commercial district.
Dayle Kosalko, director of the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Museum, told the publication she believes it’s the second White Castle built in the Chicagoland area.
“For the longest time, it was truly a destination restaurant because Whiting was the only one that had a White Castle,” Kosalko said. “Naturally, I feel bad because for us, it’s a historical building here in Whiting and I hate to see it replaced. I’d like to see something done with the enamel walls, maybe a small historic type of marker that gives some of our White Castle history.”
The original building was a small square castle that was later expanded to fill the V-shaped parcel at the location.
White Castle Vice President Jamie Richardson said the company plans to honor the original building with a historical marker and a mural inside the new restaurant.
“It will be a nice tribute to all the memories people have,” Richardson told The Times. “We’re working with a local artist on the dining room and making good progress.”
The building will be replaced with a fenced-in outdoor patio for the new restaurant just to the north. The new location is expected to employ up to 35 people.
You can read the full story on the building’s history from The Times of Northwest Indiana’s Joseph S. Pete by clicking here.