WEST CAMPUS MAKES LIST OF LANDMARKS ILLINOIS TEN MOST ENDANGERED HISTORIC PLACES FOR 2012

Executive Director of Pekin Main Street Melida Heien speaks after it was announced today that Historic West Campus has been placed on the 2012 list by Landmarks Illinois of their Ten Most Endangered Historic Places


Story and Photos by Publisher Ed Emmons


It was a long day today for 3 members of Pekin Main Street and 8 members from the SAVE WEST CAMPUS GROUP, who made the trip to Springfield, to see the Historic West Campus be put on Landmarks Illinois Ten Most Endangered Historic Places for 2012.

With a press conference in the Stratton building in Springfield next to the State Capital, Interim Director Jean Follett of Landmarks Illinois announced the Ten Most Endangered Historic Places for 2012.

Left: Interim Executive Director of Landmarks Illinois Jean Follett announces the Ten Most Endangered Historic Places for 2012, including Historic West Campus.

Now in its 18th year, this state wide list calls attention to threatened historic resources in need of assistance in the form of responsible stewardship and/ or creative reuse plans. The economic downturn, public deficits and a lack of available financing continue to challenge historic sites throughout Illinois.

"The sites named to the list are all exceptionally important," said Jean Follett, Interim Executive of Landmarks Illinois. "By calling attention to them we hope to encourage solutions for their preservation."

Landmarks Illinois Ten Most Endangered Historic Places for 2012, including West Campus

Since the inception of Landmarks Illinois Ten Most list in 1995, more than a third of the listed properties have been saved, less than a quarter have been demolished, and the rest remain threatened or are being rehabilitated.

Landmarks Illinois has been working to protect historic places throughout Illinois for over 40 years. The not-for-profit works with citizens and communities to preserve historic places and promote awareness about them through education and advocacy. In addition to the Ten Most Endangered List, the organization also sponsors an annual awards program, a heritage preservation grant program and a matching grant program for County Courthouses.

Here is a list of the Ten Most Endangered Historic Places for 2012

Pekin Main Street Executive Director Melida Heien said in her remarks, that "she was thankful to Landmarks Illinois for honoring us with this designation, and  thanked those that traveled to Springfield for the event." 

Inside the Capital Development Board Room, Interim Director of Landmarks Illinois announces the Ten Most Endangered Places for 2012, each with photos on easels.

Those making the trip to Springfield today included, Deb Jensen, Lexie Jensen, Melida Heien, Chris Deverman, Erik Reader, Mike Esteppe, Debbie Esteppe, Charlie Hutchison, Barbara Brookings Heindelsman, Scott Jackson, Ed Emmons

The group walks through a tunnel leading from the Stratton building to the State Capital

Waiting for the elevator to go up to the main floor of the Capital

In the Capital Rotunda looking up

Governor Mike Esteppe stands by his parking place

Group poses in front of Capital building

If you would like to view Landmarks Illinois website and learn more about the Ten Most Endangered Historic Places for 2012, please go to www.landmarks.org