Old Joliet Prison event includes Blues Brothers tribute band

An August fundraiser to help restore the old Joliet Correctional Center in Joliet, Illinois, will include a performance by a Blue Brothers tribute band, and organizers have invited one of the original Blues Brothers, Dan Aykroyd, to the event. The Great Joliet Prison Break-In is slated for 5 p.m. Aug. 25 inside the historic, limestone-walled … Continue reading Old Joliet Prison event includes Blues Brothers tribute band

Hundreds of volunteers help clean up Joliet prison

Hundreds of volunteer labor-union members descended on the historic Joliet Correctional Center in Joliet, Illinois, last weekend to help clean up the long-neglected property. The Joliet Patch estimated 200 to 300 skilled tradesmen were at the 160-year-old prison over the two days, along with volunteer labor from Homer Tree Care to remove trees and brush. … Continue reading Hundreds of volunteers help clean up Joliet prison

Old Joliet prison may reopen to the public by August

Supporters of reopening the 160-year-old Joliet Correctional Center in Joliet, Illinois, as a tourism attraction now are thinking of a grand reopening for August after cleanup efforts at the site accelerated in recent weeks. The Herald-News reported Homer Tree Service was busy last week removing brush inside the  prison, which has been closed and neglected … Continue reading Old Joliet prison may reopen to the public by August

Old Joliet prison to become haunted house this fall

The historic but long-abandoned Joliet Correctional Center in Joliet, Illinois, best known for the opening scene of "The Blues Brothers" movie, will become a haunted house in time for Halloween. The Joliet Patch reported this week Evil Intentions, which operates an acclaimed haunted house in nearby Elgin, Illinois, announced it will open a second site … Continue reading Old Joliet prison to become haunted house this fall

City strikes deal to rent old Joliet Correctional Center

The city council of Joliet, Illinois, this week entered into a five-year lease to take some responsibility for the historic but long-closed and deteriorating Joliet Correctional Center. The Herald News reported about the deal for the prison, which has been closed by the state of Illinois since 2002: The state retains ownership, while city officials … Continue reading City strikes deal to rent old Joliet Correctional Center

Fire destroys a building inside Joliet Correctional Center

An industrial building inside the historic Joliet Correctional Center in Joliet, Illinois, burned to the ground earlier this week, and a juvenile was charged with starting the blaze. The Daily Southtown reported: Joliet police received numerous Crime Stoppers tips from a social media post Tuesday morning seeking to identify two males who were seen inside … Continue reading Fire destroys a building inside Joliet Correctional Center