Downtown Elgin edges closer to obtaining historic designation
The push to list downtown Elgin on the National Register of Historic Places is in the final stretch, with a crucial vote expected in a little over two weeks.
The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin's nomination for the Elgin Downtown Commercial District will be considered by the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council at a public hearing Friday, Oct. 24 in Springfield.
"I think we're in really great shape," said Tom Armstrong, chairman of the DNA's design committee.
Being included on the National Register would benefit downtown by encouraging preservation, and helping promote tourism, community development and economic development, he said Tuesday night at a meeting of the Elgin Heritage Commission, which formally endorsed the nomination.
"Listing a property on the National Register brings prestige, national prestige, to Elgin," he said.
The district, which has pockets of commercial buildings from the mid-19th century through the 20th century, is roughly bound by Division Street to the north, Center Street and Villa Court to the east, Fulton Street to the south, and Riverside Drive and Grove Avenue to the west.
It contains 77 buildings that contribute to the significance of the historic district, along with 18 other buildings. One property, the Elgin Tower Building, is already listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Property owners within the district could be eligible - if they meet criteria - for 20 percent federal income tax credits, and 25 percent state income tax credits, the latter expiring Dec. 31, 2016, Armstrong said.
They could also be eligible for local, state and federal grant programs.
Being in a National Register district imposes no limits on property owners, who'd be free to do any work they please to their properties, Armstrong said.
"The National Register program is different than local designation in that how you want to take advantage of these programs is purely a voluntary act," he said.
However, if more than 50 percent of the district's property owners object to the initiative, the process will not move forward, Armstrong said.
Any objections - which must be notarized - must be submitted by Oct. 22 to Andrew Heckenkamp, National Register coordinator, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62701. Heckenkamp can be reached at (217) 785-4324.
Owners can only cast one objection, even if they own multiple properties, Armstrong said.
About 30 people attended an informational meeting in June. On Tuesday, the audience consisted only of DNA representatives, city staff members, and a member of a different city commission.
"I don't know if it's a good sign or not," DNA board member Jerri McCue said. "People don't always respond right away until it comes to a certain point and there is a response - or an outcry."
If Elgin's nomination is approved by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, the recommendation will be forwarded to the U.S. National Park Service, who will make the final decision, Armstrong said.
"From what I understand, the National Park Service generally concurs with the state agency," he said. If everything goes well, Armstrong said, he expects a final seal of approval later this year.