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Rockford Schools Make List Of Deteriorating Historic Buildings Due To Lack Of Local Funds

Landmarks Illinois

Landmarks Illinois says 11 building in the state are in danger of being lost forever because there's no money to make capital improvements. Most of the sites are publicly owned, and local governments are facing the choice of their resources to rehabilitate these buildings or tearing them down.

Cities where historic buildings are at risk include Chicago, Rockford, Champaign and Springfield. Landmarks Illinois says some are deteriorating because local governments and institutions don't have the money to maintain or revitalize them.

The group's president Bonnie McDonald says both cities are considering consolidation plans with could close older school buildings. 

"Landmarks Illinois urges the Highland Park and Rockford school districts to engage in a comprehensive planning discussion with neighborhood residents, local officals and local planning staff to determine the communities' needs," McDonald said.

Republican State Senator Steven Andersson of Geneva says his legislation to extend a tax credit for historic preservation could help.  

"We're talking about money that can't be outsourced and most importantly, the money that is spent, is spent locally," Andersson said.

The group releases an annual list of the most endangered historic sites in the state. Since Landmarks Illinois started listing the state's most endangered historic sites in 1995, there have been more than 200.

The group says they've managed to save about a third of those and are working to save more.