A historic preservation group ranks a Central Illinois landmark among the state s most endangered.
Landmarks Illinois says the 132-year-old Havana Water Tower is at risk. It needs extensive and costly repairs. It could cost the city as much as $1.2 million to restore the landmark, and to return it to a functioning water tower, said Landmarks Illinois CEO Bonnie McDonald. Finding that funding is a challenge for a small city that is home to 3,200 people.
Built in 1889, the tower needs tuck pointing to stabilize its octagonal base, a coat of paint or sealant to prevent rusting, and reinforcement of the retaining walls. The 50-foot tall tower was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times file photo
The James R. Thompson Center and “Green Book” sites were named among the most endangered places in Illinois by an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving historic sites across the state.
Statewide, there’s a total of nine culturally significant sites that have been found to be “threatened architecturally” by Landmarks Illinois, which released its annual list Wednesday. Four are in the Chicago area.
Landmarks Illinois’ goal in releasing this list is to bring attention to historical buildings it believes are in need of saving.
“Communities are passionate about their historic and culturally significant places, yet too often lack the resources necessary to maintain and preserve them,” Landmarks Illinois president and CEO Bonnie McDonald said in a statement. “Our 2021 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois demonstrates the demand for creative solutions, partnerships and incentives to give places of our past a chanc