Will County's Historic Landmarks

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The farmstead now known as the “Riegel Farmstead” was established in 1900. Originally, the farmstead was owned by Emil and Minny Koelling. The property became what is now known as the Riegel Farmstead when it was sold to Edwin Riegel in 1924. The property was later sold to Lewis Manilow. The farmstead became the property of University Park on September 26, 1977.

The continued existence of this farmstead is notable as it is the last remaining farmstead in University Park. Currently, the farmstead is surrounded by housing, and it is used for educational purposes and recreational activity for the Village of University Park (incorporated 1962).

According to the village’s record, the earliest building, the corncrib, was constructed in 1908. In 1924, the farmstead suffered a fire and the original barn was destroyed. Subsequently, the barn was replaced by a new one that some have suggested is a Sears catalog kit barn (At this time, there is not any documentation of this.) The buildings located on the property have been altered somewhat, but the continued intact state of the farmstead is especially significant.

Since 1977, the Riegel Farmstead has been an important cultural and historical resource for the community of University Park. Its unique status as the only extant farmstead in University Park makes it an extremely valuable and significant resource for the village’s residents. The farmstead serves as an important reminder of this community’s agricultural heritage.

As with many preservation projects, the farmstead’s continued existence is uncertain. The future for the Riegel farmstead is somewhat endangered as maintenance costs of the farmstead buildings are quite expensive. Because of its endangered state, it is critical that the farmstead’s historic significance be recognized. If lost, University Park will lose an important historic jewel and in doing so, the remaining artifact that lends to this community’s sense of place in time when it was once part of the thriving Monee Township farm community.

While the buildings have been altered significantly, the intact state of the farmstead together with the continued historic preservation of the farmstead makes this an important landmark for University Park and Will County communities.

 

The Koelling-Riegel-Manilow-University Park farmstead was designated a Will County Historic Landmark on October 16, 2003.
 

Historic Name: Koelling, Riegel, Manilow Farmstead (circa 1900)

Common Name: Riegel Farmstead

Location: Village of University Park

 

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