According to the complaint, the city is asking a judge to impose daily penalties until the alleged violations are corrected. The lawsuit cites a range of issues, including work allegedly performed without permits, fire-safety concerns, structural problems, and failure to keep the property "clean, sanitary, and safe."
The filing follows the discovery of more than 50 decomposing bodies at the funeral home last month. The complaint alleges: "This is an unlicensed funeral home that has been receiving deceased human cadavers for processing. It is apparent that none of these bodies were being 'processed.'"
The lawsuit further alleges that "The stench was overwhelming and could be smelled outside the building" and describes the conditions as an "immensely unsanitary situation."
For some families, the lawsuit does not go far enough.
SEE ALSO | Investigation continues after decomposing bodies found at Chicago funeral home | LIVE Updates
"Step in the right direction of accountability is jail. A fine is nothing. They got fined last year. That didn't help. They came back and did the same thing," said Marshawna Campbell, whose mother was cremated.
In a statement, the Department of Buildings said, "The Department of Buildings extends our deepest condolences to the families of those whose loved ones were not properly cared for. Our thoughts are with them."
The department said its inspections relate to public assembly, building and life-safety code requirements, while "the preparation, embalming, and storage of human remains are back-of-the-house functions that fall under the jurisdiction of the IL Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and are outside the Department of Buildings' authority."
The department said it inspected the property Aug. 6, 2026, following concerns about the building's condition and cited multiple building code violations. It added that it "remains committed to enforcing the building and life-safety codes within its jurisdiction and will continue to be available to coordinate with state and local partners, as appropriate, for any future enforcement actions."
While the lawsuit seeks court orders requiring the violations to be corrected, it does not ask for immediate demolition. However, it does leave open the possibility of repairs, cleanup, securing the property or demolition if a court determines those steps are necessary.