 The winning projects range from a brick water tower in Ford County
to an entire city block in the heart of downtown Chicago. Louis
Sullivan's last commissioned building and two distinctly different
works by Frank Lloyd Wright are represented, along with painstaking
restorations by dedicated homeowners and a group of neighbors who
are "peeling the onions" to uncover their city's architectural gems.
The interior restoration of the Illinois House and Senate
chambers was selected as the state's most outstanding project for
2007. The Illinois Capital Development Board, which coordinates all
construction projects on state-owned properties, was responsible for
overseeing the restoration project. "This is a period restoration of
the highest quality," noted the jury. "Illinois should serve as a
model for other states that wish to restore their capitol
buildings."
2007 award recipients:
Illinois State Capitol legislative chambers restoration,
Springfield -- Preservation Project of the Year
The current state capitol building -- which is the sixth in
Illinois history -- was completed in 1887. Over the years, the
ornate interiors of both the House and Senate chambers were
frequently remodeled. In the restoration, both spaces were outfitted
with modern mechanical systems before they were returned to their
original grandeur.
Medinah Temple and Tree Studios block, Chicago --
President's Award
In recent years, the Near North Side has seen tremendous growth
and countless high-rise developments. When a residential tower and
parking garage were proposed in 1999 for this site, both
preservationists and the city of Chicago advocated for an adaptive
use of the historic buildings. A local developer rose to the
challenge and saved the entire block from demolition.
Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Powerhouse, Chicago --
Adaptive Use
Located immediately north of the Ogilvie Transportation Center
and identified by its 200-foot-tall smokestack, this 1911 industrial
structure has been transformed into a vibrant mixed-use facility.
Avery Coonley House, Riverside -- Restoration
Considered one of architect Frank Lloyd Wright's greatest
commissions from his "Oak Park period," the main house of the
Coonley Estate has been fully restored, including its 1913 Jens
Jensen landscape.
Gifford Park Association, Elgin -- Leadership
This group of neighbors has been promoting architectural
appreciation for almost 30 years through their annual house tour,
preservation revolving fund and an incentive program to remove
artificial siding from historic buildings. The group's leadership in
its own neighborhood encouraged city officials to implement several
programs citywide.
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Krause Music Store, Chicago -- Restoration
Built in collaboration with architect William Presto, the
signature foliate ornament of this Lincoln Square commercial
building -- architect Louis Sullivan's last commissioned design --
was stabilized by new owners in time for the 150th anniversary of
Sullivan's birth.
Muirhead Farmhouse, Plato Center -- Rehabilitation
Completed in 1951, this Usonian-style residence was designed by
Frank Lloyd Wright. The term Usonia refers to Wright's democratic
approach to affordable housing in the years following the Great
Depression. Muirhead family descendants have rehabilitated the
farmhouse as a bed and breakfast -- one of only six Wright
properties in the U.S. currently open to overnight guests.
Water tower preservation campaign, Paxton
-- Advocacy
After more than two decades of planning and ongoing fundraising,
east central Illinois' Ford County Museum opened to the public this
summer. Multimedia exhibits on local history now occupy this former
water pump house, which was constructed in 1887 with a large water
tower to protect the city from fires.
Wigell-Carlson residence, Rockford -- Rehabilitation
In the late 1980s, this Prairie-style residence sat unheated and
deteriorating, awaiting demolition. After 13 years of neglect, a
local foundation was able to purchase the property and secure a new
owner, who has completely restored the house to its original 1908
appearance.
Since 1994, Landmarks Illinois has been assisted by a generous
grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation to honor those whose
works demonstrate a commitment to excellence in historic
preservation.
The award itself is a small-scale replica of the entrance arch
and a portion of the Trading Room from Louis Sullivan's Chicago
Stock Exchange building, which was demolished in 1972. The fight to
save this important part of Chicago's built environment led to the
founding of Landmarks Illinois in 1971.
Tickets to the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards
are $85-110. For reservations, contact Landmarks Illinois at
312-922-1742.
To view past award recipients, visit the awards section at
www.landmarks.org.
[Text from
Landmarks Illinois news
release received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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