Chicago Mayor Appoints Marlene Hopkins to Lead Building Department

A new leader is in place to oversee Chicago’s Building Department.

Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Marlene Hopkins to run the department responsible for ensuring that buildings and demolition projects are safe for the public, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Notably, Hopkins oversaw the botched demolition of the former Crawford Power Generating Station in Little Village, which blanketed the neighborhood in dust and ignited an ongoing legal battle.

Johnson expressed confidence in Hopkins, calling her an “ideal choice to lead the Department of Buildings as we work toward a safer, more prosperous Chicago for all.” Hopkins previously served as the first deputy commissioner of the department.

The Little Village implosion occurred on April 11, 2020, when a nearly 400-foot smokestack at the former power plant was razed. Insufficient measures to suppress dust became a public nuisance and health threat. A federal court gave preliminary approval to a proposed $12.25 million settlement in a class action lawsuit filed by Little Village residents against Hilco Redevelopment, the firm behind the project.

“Hopkins has been responsible for ensuring compliance with local, state and federal regulations,” Johnson told the outlet.

Despite recommendations for disciplinary action against Hopkins by former Inspector General Joe Ferguson, former mayor Lori Lightfoot opted not to act. The report highlighting Hopkins’ involvement was leaked to the public last year by the Sun-Times. Little Village community representatives are urging Johnson to release the report.

Hopkins has not publicly addressed her role in the incident but said she’s honored to assume the commissioner’s seat. She took over as acting commissioner after Johnson dismissed her predecessor, Matthew Beaudet, last month.

—Quinn Donoghue