Preservation of Carnegie Library in Waukegan, Il

The June 2nd Lake County News-Sun had an article about efforts to preserve the 1903 Carnegie Library on Sheridan Road, the old Yellowstone Trail, and the 1925 First National Bank of Waukegan.

The Waukegan Historical Preservation Commission has recommended to the city council that these two buildings be placed on the historical list and, if approved, any request to alter the exterior or tear them dow would be automatically red-flagged for city review. It doesn't mean that they can't be altered or torn down, but it will sure make it more difficult to do it.

The Carnegie Library was built in 1903 for $25,000 and served as the city's library until 1965 and has been mostly vacant and deteriorating since then. Inclusion on the historical list was required before the deed could be transferredto the city which plans a $1 millino renovation for a mix of uses, including a museum.

It is one of 2,509 Carnegie libraries built in the US, and one of 105 built in Illinois in the early 1900s.

The First National Bank of Waukegan was built in 1925 on a site that had been a bank ever since the 1850s. It is on Genesee Street close to the newly renovated 1920s Genesee Theater.

Waukegan is only about 25 miles from home. It's good to see the effort. For many years, Waukegan's downtown was declining, but apparently they are now becoming aware of the gem that they have. Congratulations Waukegan.

One highlight of every summer is Waukegan's Scoop the Loop where classic cars have a parade through the downtown.

Preserving that History Wherever and Whenever. --RoadDog