DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — This year's list of Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois has a Decatur community center that once hosted speakers like Eleanor Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy Jr.
Landmarks Illinois added the Decatur Masonic Temple to the list which calls attention to culturally and architecturally significant sites across the state that need preservation resources.
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“This year’s ‘Most Endangered’ sites are not only incredibly important places in their communities, but many are large-scale buildings that sit prominently in highly visible areas near city centers, in historic districts or on state-owned land. Their neglect is seen and felt,” said Bonnie McDonald, President & CEO of Landmarks Illinois.
Details from the Decatur Masonic Temple.
The Masonic Temple was built in 1929 and has served as a community center in Decatur’s historic district since it was built. The building has suffered damage in recent years, including $100,000 in water leaks.
Fundraisers have been held to help raise money for repairs and preservation work.
“Despite their current condition, these places tell important stories from our past — stories that should not be erased due to insufficient investment or general disregard for our collective histories," said McDonald. "Landmarks Illinois stands ready and willing to help our partners find preservation resources and solutions for these threatened places, which are opportunities for sustainable reuse, job creation and providing spaces needed in their communities.”
Landmarks Illinois has announced the 2024 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. The list calls attention to 10 culturally and architecturally significant sites across the state that face growing threats of disinvestment and demolition.
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