Rutherford moves to preserve historic
state police headquarters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2007/apf
Springfield, IL - Legislation sponsored by
State Sen. Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) would help protect, for long-term
public benefit, a historic site along Route 66.
Rutherford’s legislation, Senate Bill 768, would
transfer the abandoned Illinois State Police (ISP) regional headquarters,
located outside of Pontiac city limits, on Route 66 from the State of
Illinois to the County of Livingston.
“There is tremendous international interest in Route
66—it is a tourist attraction for our area and of economic benefit to the
entire region. The old headquarters has been defined as a ‘true jewel of
Route 66’ and should be preserved,” said Rutherford. “Final use of the
building has yet to be determined and I appreciate all interested in
helping in the preservation. I envision this being a partnership between
the state, friends of Route 66, Livingston County, the City of Pontiac and
the private sector.”
The Senator explained that the gun-shaped building,
which opened in 1941 as regional headquarters for the ISP, is located on
Old Route 66 (U.S. Highway 66 West) and was vacated in 2004 when a new ISP
facility was built nearby. It is in the “Hall of Fame” of the Route 66
Association of Illinois and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency is
considering adding it to the National Register of Historic Places.
Rutherford continued, “It is envisioned that the
land surrounding the building will be used as a park and picnic area for
travelers on Route 66. The hope is to, at least, preserve the exterior of
the building for travelers to appreciate when they stop at the rest area.
However, if it is financially possible, many would like to refurbish the
interior of the building for other purposes which highlight the history of
the ‘Mother Road.’”
Senator Rutherford is working with a local
contractor to get estimates on building refurbishing. It is the desire to
have the grounds ready this summer for green space and picnics. The best
use of the building would be evaluated with friends of Route 66, and
year-end is the goal for the final plan.
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