Route 66 listed among Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois

Landmarks Illinois on Thursday listed Route 66 as one of the Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois in the group’s annual list and advocated a National Historic Trail designation for the highway.

The group stated:

The purpose of the list is to focus attention on sites threatened by deterioration, lack of maintenance, insufficient funds, or inappropriate development and to bolster local advocacy efforts and build support for each property’s eventual preservation. The Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois list also draws attention to important policy issues that affect these properties and historic properties throughout the state.

This is what Landmarks Illinois said about Route 66 in the Land of Lincoln:

Rural economic development resources remain limited and many historic motels and restaurants remain shuttered. While the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway organization has strengthened the network of resources and partnerships statewide, the National Park Service’s Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program is set to legislatively expire within three years. To keep the economic engine of Route 66 running, Landmarks Illinois supports active legislation to permanently designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. […]

These initiatives, and local businesses along the road, have been supported by the National Park Service’s Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program (Route 66 CPP). Providing technical assistance, cost-share grants and corridor planning since its creation in 1999, the Route 66 CPP is set to legislatively terminate in 2019, and in the current political climate, it is not expected to be renewed. Recognizing the job creation, tourism impact and small business contributions of Route 66 to the economy, Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL18) has introduced bipartisan legislation (H.R. 801) to designate Route 66 a National Historic Trail. This designation would provide a permanent program to preserve, promote and economically revitalize Route 66 if enacted.

In nine years, people from all over the world join in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66. This provides an opportunity to support heritage tourism, preservation and revitalization of the places along the road. At the federal level, Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL13) introduced H.R. 66 to establish a commission to recommend activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66. In Illinois, State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) has introduced House Bill 0066 to create a centennial commission for Illinois. If successful, these strategic organizational and legislative partnerships will help prevent the deterioration or loss of another authentic Route 66 motel, diner or neon sign and bring more people to Illinois to get their kicks on Route 66.

Landmarks Illinois urged people to contact their local legislators and ask them to support LaHood’s, Butler’s and/or Davis’ bills.

Other endangered places on Landmarks Illinois’ 2017 list:

  • Singer Pavilion, Chicago
  • Ryan’s Round Barn, Henry County
  • McKee House, Lombard
  • Norway Temperance Hall, Norway
  • Federal Historic Tax Credit
  • O’Hare Rotunda Building, Chicago
  • James R. Thompson Center, Chicago

(Image of an original strip of Route 66 between Odell and Dwight, Illinois, by Tom Gill via Flickr)

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