Description
In 1904, Archbishop James E. Quigley organized a new national parish in July 1904 within the boundaries of a predominantly Italian neighborhood. Holy Rosary Church was built at 614 N. Western ave. in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago.
In July of 1915, Rev. Michael Cavallo became the pastor of Holy rosary and two years later he constructed a $35,000 school building which subsequently was constructed at 2315 W. Erie st. In 1929, the city of Chicago didcidid to widen Western Ave in order to accommodate the new automobile traffic, forcing the convent to relocate from Erie St. to Western Ave. In August of 1930, work began on the renovation of the Church and rectory, which would be of Romanesque architecture. This new building could hold a capacity of 450 on the main floor and 100 in the balcony.
After the church renovation, the community involved with Holy Rosary began expanding under Rev. Umile Broccolo, who was formally appointed father in 1940. He was instrumental in the formation of the(NCO), and he led the way in urban renewal when he sold the property across the street from the school where several modern homes were built and came to symbolize hope in the future this neighborhood.
In the second half of the 20th century, West Town became a primally Latino neighborhood, and by the late 20th century, black artists and other more affluent blacks moved in. By the turn of the 21st century, the neighborhood was being gentrified by younger “bohemian” populations.
Source
A History of the Parishes, Vol. 1 (Chicago, Observance of Centenary of the Archdiocese, 1980), 393-396.
McNamara, Denis Robert. Heavenly City: The Architectural Tradition of Catholic Chicago. Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 2005.
Spinney, Robert G. City of Big Shoulders: A History of Chicago. DeKalb: Northern Illinois University Press, 2000.
