Landmarks Illinois Announces 2018 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 25, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Landmarks Illinois today announced its 2018 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. Landmarks Illinois President & CEO Bonnie McDonald led a press conference in Springfield to reveal the more than a dozen historic places the statewide historic preservation nonprofit has identified as most threatened by demolition, deterioration or improper development.

For this year's annual list of endangered historic properties, Landmarks Illinois is calling attention to sites throughout the state that represent unique parts of Illinois' 200-year history, in honor of the Illinois Bicentennial. The sites on the 2018 Most Endangered list help tell the story of Illinois' early beginnings to its more recent past. Many of this year's sites have also served as important community gathering spaces where vital social bonds and civic dialogue occurs.

"These endangered places still have value in providing a venue for personal connections, where we can get to know our neighbors and work together to solve problems," said Bonnie McDonald, President & CEO of Landmarks Illinois. "With some creativity, vision and committed investment, these endangered properties can be preserved and reused. Landmarks Illinois is here to help every step of the way."

 The 2018 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois are (in alphabetical order by location):

• The Forum, Chicago 
• James R. Thompson Center, Chicago
• Second Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago
• Chautauquas & Tabernacles, Des Plaines, Freeport and Shelbyville 
• State Fairgrounds, Du Quoin and Springfield
• Varsity Theater Block, Evanston 
• The Nite Spot Café, Fairmont City 
• Central Congregational Church, Galesburg 
• Early Settlement-era Buildings, Geneva 
• Kincaid Mounds, Massac and Pope Counties 
• Old Nichols Library, Naperville 
• Rock Island County Courthouse, Rock Island County
• Stran-Steel House, Wilmette

Full descriptions and photos of each site are available on our website.

More about the Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois
Since 1995, Landmarks Illinois' Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois has called attention to threatened historic sites in need of assistance in the form of responsible stewardship, creative reuse plans and/or advances in public policy. You can view past years' Most Endangered lists on our website. 

About Landmarks Illinois
Landmarks Illinois is a membership-based nonprofit organization serving the people of Illinois. Visit www.Landmarks.org to learn more.

CONTACT: Kaitlyn McAvoy, 312-922-1742, [email protected]

SOURCE Landmarks Illinois