PRESS RELEASE

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                      May 7, 2010

May is Preservation Month 

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has designated May as Preservation Month, a time to recognize preservation efforts throughout the country and to promote awareness of historic preservation. The 2010 theme for Preservation Month is “Old is the New Green”.

At the April 20, 2010 Joliet City Council meeting, a Proclamation was presented by Mayor Schultz designating May as National Preservation Month in Joliet. At the same meeting, the Joliet Historic Preservation Commission (JHPC) presented its 3rd Annual Preservation Award to CAPA residents Tom and Cathy Cawley in recognition of their commitment to historic preservation through the renovation and adaptive re-use of the Morris-Niver Farmhouse located at 2571 Division Street. The renovated structure is the home of Voyager Group financial services. The reuse of the farmhouse not only saved a wonderful historic structure in Joliet, but also showed the creative ability to keep useful materials out of our landfills, to preserve trees and promote other “green” activities, reinforcing the theme “Old is the New Green”.

To further promote preservation and Joliet’s rich history, the JHPC is sponsoring a May coloring contest. The contest is for children ages pre-kindergarten-2nd grade and grades 3-5. The coloring contest picture can be picked-up at the Joliet Public Library (main or west branch) or may be printed from the JHPC web site at www.joliethpc.com. Completed pictures may be turned-in at Joliet City Hall, 150 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois, no later than May 31st. Coloring book prizes will be awarded to the winners.

To kick-off of the JHPC’s “Preservation Month” campaign, this year the commission is focusing on the National Register- listed Union Station. Projects completed at Union Station for this effort will involve contributions from local companies and individuals. One Union Station “green” project will involve planting drought-resistant plants in the 11 exterior planters at the station. A second project will be an ongoing effort from July through September, 2010 whereby the JHPC and volunteers will begin restoration work on the exterior benches and doors at the station. The JHPC is excited about this community volunteer project that highlights a prominent structure listed on the National Register and that serves as a gateway to Joliet for residents and visitors alike. Please call the JHPC liaison, Barb Newberg at 815/724-4052 or e-mail bnewberg@jolietcity.org if you have questions or wish to volunteer for preservation-related activities.