Will County's Historic Landmarks
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| Historic Preservation Landmark Designation Program |
One of the objectives of Will County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is to promote historic preservation through the County's landmark program. Essentially, the landmark program recognizes the efforts of property owners who have preserved the historic integrity of their building, structure, or site. To be eligible for landmark status, the nominated property must meet at least one of the following twelve criteria as set forth in Will County's Historic Preservation Ordinance:
Property is the site of a significant local, county, state, or national event.
Property has character, interest, or value which is part of the development, heritage, or cultural character of the community, county, state, or nation.
Property is the site of a significant local, county, state, or national event.
Property is identified with a person who significantly contributed to the development of the community, county, state, or nation.
Structure(s) embodies distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style valuable for the study of a period, type, method of construction, or use of indigenous materials.
Property is identified with the work of a master builder, designer, architect, or landscape architect whose work has influenced the development of the area, community, county, state, or nation.
Structure(s) embodies elements of design, detailing, materials, or craftsmanship that are of architectural significance which is recognized locally, regionally, or nationally.
Structure(s) embodies design elements that make the nominated property structurally or architecturally innovative.
Property has a unique location or physical location which makes the nominated property a familiar visual feature in the area.
Structure(s) is a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian structure with a high level of integrity, architectural significance, or historic importance.
Property is suitable for preservation or restoration.
Property is located on the National Register of Historic Places.
Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important to prehistory, history, or other areas of archaeological significance.
Once a building, structure, or site is landmarked, HPC offers technical assistance to property owners in order to help them preserve the historic identity of the designated landmark. While change is anticipated, to ensure that the historic character is preserved, Will County requires property owners to file a Certificate of Appropriateness which describes the proposed alteration. HPC reviews the Certificate of Appropriateness and will approve or deny it based upon the alteration's effects upon the historic integrity of the landmark. Because the Commission views historic preservation as a collaborative effort, at all times, the Commission and its staff work with property owners to ensure that the proposed alterations meet not only the design guidelines as specified in the Historic Preservation Ordinance, but also the needs and expectations of the property owners.
The Commission welcomes landmark nominations and will provide assistance with the completion of the form. Additionally, HPC staff offer assistance with National Register Nominations.
Benefits of Landmark Designation
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credits. For income-producing buildings undergoing rehabilitation which are listed on Will County's local landmark register or the National Register of Historic Places. Rehabilitation must be done according to the Secretary of Interior's Guidelines for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
CLG Grants. Will County became a Certified Local Government (CLG) in 1995. Currently, Will County is one of 45 Certified Local Governments in Illinois. Not only does this status serve as a network for historic preservationists, but it also provides additional economic opportunities for owners of local and/National Register properties.
Technical assistance from HPC Staff.
Designated landmark property owners receive a bronze plaque to commemorate the historic significance of their landmark.
Most importantly, protection for the landmark and assurance that Will County's cultural history will not be forgotten.
Please contact HPC staff for more detailed information.