The Burnham Plan Centennial

In 1909, Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett collaborated with the Commercial Club of Chicago and others to create a new plan for the greater Chicago region. 100 years later you can see the results and plan the next 100 years here.

Follow @Burnham100 on Twitter for info on The Burnham Plan Centennial.

Take the Daniel Burnham Walking Tour presented during the 2009 National Main Streets Conference in Chicago.

Check out Elgin's contribution to the centennial starting May 19th. Elgin Alive:  Deep Roots, Green Future Exhibit

Be like Burnham. Make no small plans.

Illinois Main Street Architects to Visit Downtown Elgin

The Downtown Neighborhood Association has invited IHPA architects to conduct a workshop, offer design advice, and lead a building maintenance tour for business and property owners.

Architects from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA), working through the Illinois Main Street program, will be in Elgin all day on Tuesday, October 24 to provide businesses, agencies, and building owners design assistance through presentations, one-on-one sessions, and a walking tour. The state architects provide these services at no charge to Illinois Main Street communities like Elgin.

Downtown Neighborhood Association’s (DNA) Design Committee co-chairs Eric Pepa, Paul Bednar, Betsy Couture, and Dave Segel have worked with the Illinois Main Street architects to develop a full day of design assistance for Downtown Elgin.

Schedule
8 a.m. - Sessions on visual merchandising and low-cost design improvements at the DNA offices at 2 Douglas Avenue. Coffee and pastries will be served.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - One-on-one design assistance sessions with downtown business and property owners. Any interested Downtown Elgin business owner, agency or property owner can schedule an appointment by calling the DNA in advance at (847) 488-1456.

12 p.m. - Lunch


4:30 p.m. - The IHPA staff will discuss proper maintenance and repair of historic downtown buildings. There are several maintenance issues that, if addressed early, can save building owners tremendous amounts of time and money in the long run. This well-illustrated presentation identifies common causes of deterioration in historic building materials and examines necessary and appropriate repair techniques.

5:30 p.m. - IHPA staff will lead an hour-long tour of buildings in downtown Elgin, focusing on positive aspects of storefronts and areas where conditions might be improved. The public is welcome to attend the morning and afternoon sessions and tour. Packets will be available that discuss the various grants and tax credits available for downtown buildings from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and from the City of Elgin. In addition, information will be available regarding design assistance from the IHPA, the City of Elgin, and the Downtown Neighborhood Association.

To RSVP for any of these sessions please contact DNA at (847) 488-1456 by October 20.

Tower Building Eagle

Photo by Kirk Lawler

"An eagle looks to the sun...
One of the many noteworthy architectural details of the Elgin Tower building. Completed in 1929, this example of the Art Deco style is still Elgin's tallest building."

If you'd like a print of this photo, stop by the DNA office at 2 Douglas and it can be yours for a mere $15. While you're there, take a few minutes to view the other photos of downtown Elgin provided by Kirk Lawler.

I Spy Downtown - Elgin Picture Riddles

I Spy Downtown - Elgin Picture Riddles

Search for the architectural details pictured
in the flyer. Write the address of the buildings in
the spaces provided. All entries receive a
free "Exploring Elgin" coloring book upon
completion. Correctly completed entries will
be entered into a raffle for prizes from area
businesses.

Entries are due at the Tower Building at
2 Douglas Ave. from 8:30a - 5:00p M-F;
or through the mail slot by June 9th,2006.

Preservation Month Activities - May 12 to May 18

“Historic Visions” A Gallery Walk in Downtown Elgin
The Downtown Neighborhood Association invites you to a special gallery walk May 17th from 5pm to 9pm showcasing Elgin’s vibrant history, as various artists - Elgin Area Historical Society, Keith French, Kirk Lawler, Warren Mogler, and Robert Winner - share their vision of historic preservation at Elgin in several Downtown locations:
Hines Building at 24 Douglas Ave.
The Elgin Tower Building at 2 Douglas Ave.
Pastigel at 154 E. Chicago Street
Elgin Books at 209 E. Chicago St
Kirkpatrick, Jones & Sharf Insurance at 19 S. Spring St.
Attendees may enter a free raffle for a framed architectural detail in Downtown Elgin courtesy of Artistic Framing and Supplies and professional photographer Kirk Lawler. This event is organized by the Downtown Neighborhood Association's Design Committee as part of the Preservation Month activities and in an effort to promote the rich and historic architecture of Downtown Elgin. For more information, please call (847)488-1456 or visit www.downtownelgin.org

I Spy Downtown... An Architectural Hunt for Kids
Bring the whole family in a search of architectural details throughout the various buildings in Downtown Elgin. Enjoy the unique historic atmosphere on an ongoing self guided treasure hunt as part of the Preservation Month activities. Find the "I Spy Downtown" flier at the Gail Borden Public Library (270 N. Grove), at Al’s Café & Creamery (43 Dupage Court), and the Downtown Neighborhood Association's office ( 2 Douglas Avenue). Completed entries can be returned at 2 Douglas Avenue between M-F 8:30 - 5:00pm and will receive a FREE “Exploring Elgin” coloring book. Correct entries will be entered into a raffle for prizes from Al’s Café & Creamery, Elgin Area Historical Society, Elgin Books, and photographer Kirk Lawler. Don't miss it! The deadline for entries is June 9th. This event is organized by the Downtown Neighborhood Association's Design Committee in an effort to promote the rich and historic architecture of Downtown Elgin. For more information, please call (847)488-1456 or visit www.downtownelgin.org

This Weekend during Preservation Month, May 4 - May 6

Thursday, May 4
Mayor's Awards for Preservation
The Elgin Heritage Commission honors outstanding contributors to Elgin's heritage. Honorees have demonstrated their dedication to older architecture, neighborhoods and history.
Sponsored by the Elgin Heritage Commission.
Call Sarosh Saher at (847) 931-5943.
Location: Heritage Ballroom, The Centre of Elgin.
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm. (Ceremony at 7:00pm.)

Saturday, May 6
The Great Unveiling
Celebrate the 9th Annual Great Unveiling as neighborhood organizations sponsor the removal of substitute siding in an old fashioned barn raising atmosphere at two Elgin residences. Free volunteer labor and a monetary gift is provided to property owners that have applied to have the nonoriginal artificial siding removed from their historic homes. It's a busy day for all volunteers!
Sponsored by the Northeast Neighborhood Association (NENA) and Admirers of Beautiful Old Dwellings of Elgin (ABODE).
Contact Jeff Gill at (847) 468-1926 or Brian Anderson at (847) 741-1177.
Location: 856 North Spring St.
Time: 9:00am - noon. (lunch will be served)

Firefighters Memorial Service
Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, Elgin Fire Barn No.5 is the appropriate site for a memorial service and dedication ceremony to honor firefighters who died in the line of duty this past year and retirees from Elgin and nearby communities.
Sponsored by the Elgin Fire Department and Elgin Fire Barn No. 5.
Contact Timothy Ryan at (847) 931-6175.
Location: Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 at 533 St. Charles Street.
Time: 11:00am.

Walk it, See it, Feel it
An educational walking tour of West Elgin that will use history, stories, and hands-on experience to enhance participants knowledge of Elgin's development as a city. Learn about the influences that shaped development of West Elgin, the Kimball Family, pre-Civil War architecture, cobblestone buildings, the topography of the area, and the social changes that continue to influence this part of the city.
Sponsored by the Elgin Area Historic Society
Contact Mary Hill at (847) 695-9659 or eahs360@foxvalley.net.
Location: 52 N. Crystal Street. Park on neighborhood streets.
Time: 1:00pm.

Deadline for Elgin Mayor’s Awards for Preservation

Today is the last day to submit a nomination for the Mayor’s Awards for Preservation.

For more information or questions regarding the Mayor’s Awards please contact Cindy Walden at 847-931-5910. Nomination are due by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, 2006, to Cindy Walden, Planning Department, City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, Illinois, 60120-5555. Those selected to receive a Mayor’s Award will be notified by April 2006.

Elgin Receives Grant for Historic Survey

The State of Illinois has awarded a $10,920.00 grant to Elgin for an intensive downtown survey of historic resources dating from 1840-1880. A new surge of downtown redevelopment has raised concerns for these remaining historic resources, since a large portion of Elgin was demolished between 1950-1960 to make way for urban renewal and civic center parking.
Contact Sarosh Saher (847) 931-5943 for more information.

Preservation Week Schedule

April 30 – May 9, 2005
Preservation Brochure

April 22 through May 31, 2005 “Documenting the Elgin Architectural Renaissance”-Photography by Kirk Lawler
Downtown Neighborhood Association volunteer photographer, Kirk Lawler, presents a unique collection of images celebrating the architectural revival of downtown Elgin. From the smaller details to whole buildings. The exhibit will offer viewers a fresh interpretation of Elgin’s many restored treasures.Location: Elgin City Hall Lobby between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.



April 30 through May 31, 2005 “Center City Visions” An Exhibit by the
4th Year Comprehensive Design Studio Students at Judson College.
An exhibit that explores what the students have developed as class projects for specific downtown locations.

Location:
Downtown Neighborhood Association
2 Douglas Ave
Elgin, IL

Open during DNA office hours M - F from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Form more information contact the DNA at (847) 488-1456.

May 2 "Skyline Tour of Downtown Elgin"
Join Mary Hill, Elgin Historian, on an experience of downtown Elgin from the bottom up and the top down. See places you’ve never seen before. Enjoy Elgin’s #1 best kept secret. This is a walking tour, so wear comfortable shoes. Sponsored by: Elgin Area Historical Society
For information call Elizabeth Marston at (847) 742-4248.
Location: Meet at the City parking lot at Douglas and Highland Avenue.
Time: 6:30pm. to 8:00pm.

May 2 through May 7, 2005 "Downtown Elgin Architectural Treasure Hunt"
Learn and win! Fun for the whole family. Discover the great architectural details in downtown Elgin through an adventurous treasure hunt. Pick up your entry form anytime on Tuesday May 2 through
Saturday May 7, from any participating restaurant or business or come to the Elgin Carnival information booth at the Civic Parking Lot on Thursday and Friday after 5:00 p.m. and Saturday after 1:00 p.m. kids who turn in a completed entry form will receive instant prizes and adults will be entered into a drawing for chances to win great downtown prizes.
For more information contact DNA at (847) 488-1456.

May 5 "Mayor’s Awards for Preservation"
The Elgin Heritage Commission honors outstanding contributors to Elgin’s heritage. Honorees have demonstrated their dedication to older architecture, neighborhoods and history. R.S.V.P. by April 29th at 847-931-5910.
Sponsored by the Elgin Heritage Commission.
Location: The Centre of Elgin Heritage Ballroom
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
For information call Sarosh Saher at (847) 931-5943

Elks Lodge Transforms

Demi & Cooper Advertising plans to move into the renovated Elks Lodge on April 29th. The English Tudor style building at 18 S. Villa St. has gone through extensive interior renovation. Read the Daily Herald article.

Batavia to discuss facade programs

A Daily Herald article about Batavia's facade program references the success found in Elgin with a quote from Sarosh Saher.