Libertyville's Brainerd building on landmarks watch list
Efforts to transform the shuttered former Libertyville Township High School into a showcase community center received a potentially important endorsement Wednesday.
The Neo-Classical style school, known as the Brainerd building, and adjoining Jackson Gym, are included by Landmarks Illinois on its 2009-10 Chicagoland Watch List, representing threats of one kind or another to historic structures.
Central Lake County's first high school, which was attended by generations of area residents including actor Marlon Brando, was built in 1917 at 416 W. Park Ave. The gym was added in 1929. The buildings were closed in 2003 and 2004, respectively.
Intended as a complement to the organization's annual "Ten Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois," the designation could strengthen local commitment, attract outside attention and lead to grants or other sources of money to proceed with a makeover estimated at up to $15 million, supporters say.
"I think we're right on the cusp of getting that critical mass," said John Snow, president of the Brainerd Community Center Inc.
"We appreciate being on the list and the recognition of the Brainerd building as a landmark that's at risk. We're hoping it will give us increased awareness in the community."
The list also includes the Cornelius Field House and Rose House and Pavilion in Highland Park, Church of the Resurrection in West Chicago and Historic Alden Road in McHenry County.
According to the listing, the owner, Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 could demolish Brainerd for expanded athletic fields and parking. The school district owns the buildings.
The buildings currently are leased to the village, which several years ago designated the Brainerd group to lead the renovation effort. The first payment of $250,000 is due in 2011 and without substantial progress, the village could back out. Fundraising efforts to date have been minimal.
"In conversations with concerned members of the community, it is clear that there is great support for the adaptive-use of this building as a community center," Landmarks Illinois President John Peters wrote in a letter to Mayor Terry Weppler.
"However, there is concern that without support of the village and School District 128 the building may be demolished in the near future."
The membership of the Brainerd organization changed significantly after the spring elections that brought Weppler and three new trustees to office.
In announcing a renewed push, Snow and others have asked the village board to become cheerleaders for the project. Though supportive, the village wants to see more specific plans and progress.
One step is the partnership of the Brainerd group with the Libertyville Civic Center Foundation, which has expertise and assets. Leaders of the groups recently voted separately to work together. Brainerd directors last week were added to the Civic Center board, which Snow described as a key step.
Talks also are ongoing with MainStreet Libertyville to provide grant writing expertise.
Snow said Wednesday's designation is similar to the listing of the property to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008 in that it draws attention from people outside the community who are interested in historic preservation.
The new developments also could prompt village leaders to revisit the lease terms with the school district.
Meanwhile, the group wants to spread the word and has scheduled a public open house Oct. 3 after the Libertyville High School homecoming parade.