Celebrating Outstanding Preservation Projects in Illinois
Celebrating Exceptional Preservation Efforts in Illinois
Landmarks Illinois has recently unveiled the winners of the prestigious 2025 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards. This annual program, operational since 1995, recognizes remarkable preservation initiatives throughout Illinois, underscoring the importance of safeguarding our architectural heritage.
Diversity of Winning Projects
This year, the winners include nine notable projects scattered across various Illinois towns like Belvidere, Charleston, Chicago, Granite City, Millstadt, Tinley Park, and Waukegan. These projects highlight a wide spectrum of preservation efforts, including the transformation of vacant schools and libraries into affordable housing and cultural spaces, and the advocacy work that breathes new life into historic structures.
Empowering Communities Through Preservation
“The award recipients demonstrate the power of preservation in addressing community needs,” expressed Bonnie McDonald, President & CEO of Landmarks Illinois. “They inspire others statewide to think creatively about how historic sites can serve contemporary purposes while boosting local economies and enhancing community pride. Our winners deserve recognition for their dedication and the significant time invested in these projects.”
Showcasing the Award Recipients
The upcoming public awards ceremony set for November 7 aims to honor these exemplary projects, with a formal presentation celebrating their achievements. Here's a glimpse at some of this year's distinguished recipients:
Pearl Place Apartments - Belvidere
The Pearl Place Apartments project received the award for Preservation, thanks to Gorman & Company. This initiative restored the historical Garfield School into comfortable affordable housing for seniors and veterans, securing its role within the community.
Coles County Courthouse Window Project - Charleston
This environmentally sustainable endeavor focused on the replacement of 384 old windows in the courthouse, enhancing its aesthetics and energy efficiency. It serves as a catalyst for subsequent preservation efforts and economic uplift in the area.
Friends of Historic Second Church - Chicago
A volunteer organization that has devoted nearly two decades to the Second Presbyterian Church, they have raised over $4 million for preservation. Their notable efforts have earned the church National Historic Landmark status.
National Public Housing Museum - Chicago
This museum has breathed new life into the last remaining structure of the Jane Addams Homes, turning the historically vital site into a civic and cultural hub exploring public housing stories in America.
Pui Tak Center - Chicago
Recognized for Cultural Heritage Conservation, the Pui Tak Center has been renovated to honor the Chinese Christian Union Church. Their commitment to maintenance ensures that vital narratives of Asian Americans are preserved and cherished.
Edison Ave Art Lofts - Granite City
This adaptive reuse project has transformed the former Tri-County YMCA into a vibrant mixed-use facility, marrying community needs with historical preservation.
Friends of the Old Millstadt Water Tower - Millstadt
An advocacy group that succeeded in restoring the beloved tin-style water tower, a local icon. Their persistent efforts rekindled community pride in this landmark.
Banging Gavel Brews - Tinley Park
Transforming the historic Karl Vogt Building, this adaptive reuse project has revitalized Tinley Park's downtown, offering a lively space for social gatherings and activities.
Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie - Waukegan
Once a dilapidated library, the meticulous restoration of this architecturally significant building now serves as a dynamic history museum, inviting community engagement through local narratives and historical exploration.
A Celebration of Preservation
This year's awards reflect a rich tapestry of dedication from community members and organizations focused on significant historic elements. The ceremony highlighting these achievements will feature an awards presentation followed by a cocktail reception.
About Landmarks Illinois
Founded in 1971, Landmarks Illinois serves as a nonprofit organization dedicated to historic preservation across the state. By advocating for strategic revitalization efforts, the organization emphasizes the critical role preservation plays in building vibrant communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards?
The awards honor exceptional preservation projects in Illinois, recognizing the efforts of individuals and organizations who work to maintain historical landmarks.
When is the awards ceremony taking place?
The ceremony is scheduled for November 7, celebrating this year's award winners.
How many projects were honored this year?
This year, nine projects received prestigious awards, reflecting diverse efforts in preserving Illinois' architectural heritage.
What types of projects are recognized?
The awards recognize a variety of projects, including restorations of public buildings, advocacy campaigns, and efforts in adaptive reuse among others.
Who can attend the awards ceremony?
The event is open to the public with ticket options available for members, non-members, and students.
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