Nominations are due January 10, 2022 for Landmarks Illinois’ 2022 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. Over the years, a number of Route 66 attractions have made this list.
Once threatened with demolition and neglect, former Most Endangered site, the Shelbyville Chautauqua, was restored and reopened to the public this year!
The unique, 20-sided Shelbyville Chautauqua was constructed in 1903 in Shelbyville’s Forest Park and served as a large auditorium for community gatherings. In 2018, Landmarks Illinois included it on our Most Endangered list due to the desperate need for extensive repair and stabilization to the building. In late 2020, following a year-long campaign led by local advocates and aided by Landmarks Illinois, the City of Shelbyville agreed to make a large financial investment in the Chautauqua’s restoration. The mayor of Shelbyville also appointed a Chautauqua Management Committee to oversee fundraising efforts for the project, as well as future programming and rentals at the property. Renovation work was completed this summer and now the beloved community gathering space is once again welcoming the public.
Do you have a historic or special place in your community that is in need of saving? Nominate it for the 2022 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois!
Nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, preservation advocates, city officials and residents of Illinois are encouraged to submit a nomination. Landmarks Illinois will announce the sites selected for the 2022 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois at a virtual press conference in April 2022. Click here to learn more about the program and nomination period.
Nominations are due January 10, 2022.
