Elgin Heritage Commission to honor winners of annual preservation awards
Seven local people and organizations will be honored for their work to preserve Elgin’s historic architecture, neighborhoods and cultural resources during the annual Mayor’s Awards for Preservation on April 29.
The ceremony at the Hemmens Cultural Center is open to the public and begins at 6 p.m. It also can be viewed live on the City of Elgin’s YouTube channel.
The awards are presented annually, based on peer nominations and selected by the Heritage Commission.
The 2025 recipients include:
• Chloe Burkhart for her “above and beyond sympathetic restoration” of her home at 320 North St.
• Community Crisis Center for the exterior rehabilitation of the 1891 historic Franklin School.
• Debra Vruble and the Elgin National Watch Neighbors Association for their “tireless and devoted efforts” in reforming the neighborhood group and advocating the benefits of preservation and sense of place.
• Efrain Zepeda for his impactful rehabilitation of 519-521 Douglas Ave.
• Elgin History Museum for the development of its history podcast “Echoes of Elgin.” Hosted by museum educator Rebecca Miller, the podcast brings to life columns by historian Mike Alft.
• Elgin Public Museum for renovating and enhancing its exhibit “The Encounter,” which focuses on LaSalle’s exploration and the impact of Native American-European trade on Indigenous peoples, waterways, and species.
• Tricia Grosser for her continued volunteerism, fundraising and enthusiasm for educating and promoting Elgin’s history as a docent and board member of the Elgin History Museum.
Nine heritage building plaques will also be presented to owners who have researched the history and architecture of their properties. The buildings are First Congregational Church, the Elgin History Museum and seven homes.
More than 500 plaques have been awarded since the program began in 1986.