|
 The annual Most Endangered list
is Landmarks Illinois’ longest-running advocacy program and calls
attention to historic and culturally significant sites throughout
the state that are threatened with deterioration, demolition or
inappropriate development.
Community organizations, neighborhood groups, preservation advocates
and residents of Illinois are encouraged to submit a nomination by
January 22, 2021. Historic properties nominated to the 2021 Most
Endangered list are not required to be locally or nationally
designated landmarks. They may be places largely unknown to the
general public but are valued by local residents and celebrate the
history, traditions and culture of the community.
“In every neighborhood, in every city and town in Illinois, there
are places that have meaning to people, that tell the story of our
past and deserve to be part of our future,” said Bonnie McDonald,
President & CEO of Landmarks Illinois. “Yet too often these places
are overlooked and go without much-needed maintenance and
rehabilitation. Our Most Endangered program focuses resources and
attention on our state’s top imperiled sites as well as the people
who are dedicated to their preservation.”
The 2021 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois will be
announced in the spring during Landmarks Illinois’ 50th anniversary
year. This important organizational milestone only bolsters
Landmarks Illinois’ mission to support people saving our historic
places — work that will continue to play an important role in our
state’s economic recovery from the ongoing pandemic.
“The rehabilitation and reuse of our historic sites has repeatedly
been shown to create jobs, spark economic activity and lead to
further investment in neighborhoods, all of which is greatly needed
after this difficult year,” said McDonald. “Preservation of our
‘Most Endangered’ places improves the lives of people in the
community and creates a more equitable and inclusive Illinois.”
[to top of second column] |
Benefits of ‘Most Endangered’ designation
Properties included on Landmarks Illinois’ Most Endangered Historic Places in
Illinois often receive a higher level of statewide attention from residents,
governing bodies and media outlets. A listing can also help bolster local
advocacy and legislative efforts that help lead to a site’s eventual
preservation.
Once a property is included on Landmarks Illinois’ Most
Endangered list, Landmarks Illinois staff remain committed to its preservation
efforts, continuing communication and relationships with local advocates and
providing resources (including small grants) and connections where possible. In
many cases, this has led to years- or decades-long relationships between local
advocates and Landmarks Illinois. Staff at Landmarks Illinois can also serve as
a link to pro bono services from other preservation professionals such as
architects, engineers, historians and more.
Since the Most Endangered program began in 1995, more than 100 previously “Most
Endangered’ designated sites have been saved from demolition or stabilized.
Dozens more have reinvestment projects pending or underway.
Those interested in submitting a nomination are also encouraged to take a look
at the sites named to past Most Endangered lists during the program’s more than
25-year history. Additional program and nomination guidelines can be found in
the online nomination form.
About Landmarks Illinois
We are People Saving Places for People. Landmarks Illinois is a membership-based
nonprofit organization serving the people of Illinois. We inspire and empower
stakeholders to save places that matter to them by providing free guidance,
practical and financial resources and access to strategic partnerships. For more
information, visit www.Landmarks.org.
[Kaitlyn McAvoy
Communications Manager
Landmarks Illinois] |
