[November 12, 2013]SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Pat Quinn
has announced a capital investment of more than $633,000 to repair
and restore the interior of the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site in
Springfield's Oak Ridge Cemetery.
"Lincoln Tomb is the main reason that Oak Ridge is the second-most
visited cemetery in the nation, behind Arlington National Cemetery,"
Quinn said. "It's vital that we keep the tomb in top condition to
accommodate the hundreds of thousands of people who visit the 16th
president's final resting place each year, including those who will
visit for the 150th anniversary of his death, in 2015."
The
project will address all of the interior finishes at the tomb that
have deteriorated or been damaged over the years and will restore
those finishes. These include decorative plaster moldings, stippled
painting, granite wall panels and brass plaques. New interior
lighting will also be installed.
The work will begin Dec. 1, and the interior of Lincoln Tomb will
be closed until the project is complete in early March, although the
exterior of the tomb will be available for visitors during that
time.
The general restoration work will be performed by R.D. Lawrence
Construction Co. of Springfield for $555,321. The electrical work
will be done by B & B Electric of Springfield for $78,000. The
project will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.
In recent years the Capital Development Board has managed
approximately $900,000 worth of projects at Lincoln Tomb. These have
included the installation of a new roof deck and waterproofing
materials to alleviate water infiltration, and the installation of a
geothermal heating and cooling system for the site.
"It's an honor and a privilege to be involved in restoring one of
the world's most significant Lincoln sites," said CDB Director Jim
Underwood. "Keeping Lincoln Tomb in top shape means people from
across the globe can continue to make the journey to Springfield and
be inspired by Lincoln's legacy."
Dedicated in 1874, the 117-foot-tall Lincoln Tomb, designed by
renowned sculptor Larkin Mead, is the final resting place of Abraham
Lincoln; his wife, Mary; and three of their four sons: Edward,
William and Thomas. The eldest son, Robert T. Lincoln, is buried in
Arlington National Cemetery. Also on the Oak Ridge site is the
public receiving vault, constructed circa 1860, the scene of funeral
services for Abraham Lincoln on May 4, 1865.
The Lincoln Tomb was designated a National Historic Landmark in
1960 and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in
1966.
"The tomb is an inspiring monument where visitors can contemplate
President Lincoln's accomplishments. It cannot be allowed to
deteriorate, especially when thousands of additional visitors will
tour the site in 2015 for the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's
funeral," said IHPA Director Amy Martin.
This project is part of the governor's $31 billion Illinois Jobs
Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six
years. The program is the largest capital construction program in
Illinois history and one of the largest capital construction
programs in the nation.
