Brainerd building gets exam for 'elite list'

The peeling paint, broken windows and deteriorating roof of the Brainerd building in Libertyville were thoroughly examined Friday to determine if it has a place on an elite list.

One month after the building was named to the National Register of Historic Places, local volunteers trying to turn Brainerd into a community center are lobbying for it to be named one of Chicago's 10 Most Endangered Historic Places by Landmarks Illinois.

Volunteers hope making the list would generate publicity and support to restore Brainerd for use as a community center. No funding would come with that designation.

The 1916 high school building and 1929 Jackson Gym remain standing, but vacant and in disrepair. A committed community group of about 10 volunteers, led by Brainerd Community Center, Inc. President John Snow, has been working hard to raise interest, support and money to restore the buildings, which may cost as much as $20 million.

Lisa DiChiera, director of advocacy for Landmarks Illinois, and intern Ali Stuebner toured the building and examined its condition, feasibility and restoration potential as qualifications to make the list.

DiChiera said Landmarks Illinois narrowed its list of endangered buildings to about 30 that she is now touring.

"It's a beautiful building," she said. "It's not collapsing. It's about political will and community support, and then it would be feasible."

Generating village board support has been an uphill battle, the volunteers said.

"We want the village to be our coach, player and cheerleading squad. We're waiting for them to respond to our fervent request," Snow said.

Snow said the old administration was not supportive of their efforts, and the new administration has not yet offered much support.

Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 owns the buildings, but reached a compromise with the village for a 50-year lease beginning in 2011. The community group of volunteers was designated to oversee restoration efforts. Snow said if the school board got its way, "you'd be standing in a parking lot right now."

Community groups have expressed interest, but not funds, in making Brainerd their new home, Brainerd director Mary Cramer said. Some ideas for the building include a teen drop-in center, a place for performing arts and a children's museum.

"Twenty groups would love to move in here tomorrow," she said. "We've done a lot of brainstorming lately."

Illinois Landmark's 10 Endangered Historic Places in the Chicago area will be released in September.