Itasca museum to see $525,000 upgrade
The antiques popping up at sites such as the Itasca Library aren’t part of a retro redecorating kick.
Instead, they’re temporary exhibits on display as the 138-year-old Itasca Historical Depot Museum undergoes a $525,000 transformation.
The project initially started with small goals, Itasca Park District Director Maryfran Leno said. The park district runs the museum in cooperation with the Itasca Historical Society, while the village owns the land.
“Our original thought was just a new coat of paint and minor fix-ups, but after we emptied the museum we saw everything and it was like ‘Wow,’” said Leno.
Because of the museum’s age, a building inspector discovered more than 25 code violations, including plumbing and electrical issues, as well as lack of accessibility for disabled people.
As a result, officials decided on a complete overhaul that will restore the depot to its original state from 1873.
“We want it to last another 50 or 100 years,” Leno said.
The park district applied for a grant for the project but was rejected. Money will come from several sources, including a fundraiser Aug. 25 at the Itasca Country Club.
The event, hosted by Itasca Bank & Trust Co., will honor Gerald Danzer, a village resident and professor emeritus of history at the University of Illinois.
Other funds for the museum include $300,000 from the park district, $125,000 from village hotel tax revenues, and donations of $5,000 each from the Itasca Community Library, Itasca Historical Society, and Itasca Historical Commission.
Oak Brook-based FGM Architects and Corporate Construction Services of Downers Grove already started renovations on the building that will be renamed the Itasca Milwaukee Road Depot Historical Museum. Leno said work should be complete by November and the museum reopened by spring.
“Inside, it will house not only the history of Itasca, but history of the Milwaukee Road Railroad and how they are tied together,” she said.
Currently, museum artifacts not in storage are on display around Itasca, including at village hall and the library. The library also will become a partner in the new museum, being responsible for archiving and digitizing photos and documents, Leno said.
The renamed and renovated museum will have public hours, as well as private hours for events and group tours.
If you go
What: Itasca Milwaukee Road Depot Historical Museum fundraiser
When: Noon Aug. 25
Where: Itasca Country Club, 400 E. Orchard St.
Cost: $100 per person; $1,000 corporate sponsorships available
Details: Itasca Bank & Trust Co., (630) 773-3050, ext. 450