The historic building that will house the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet was given landmark status by the city council.
The Herald-News had some details about the landmark designation:
The building at 9 W. Cass St. was the original home of the White Store and later housed the local Goldblatt’s Department Store, the Silver Dollar Store and Buy-Rite Furniture.
“The three-story building at 9 West Cass Street was built in 1929-1930 and is a well-preserved example of a late Beaux Arts style/Sullivanesque style commercial building,” according to the landmark application for the building. “The world plunged into the Great Depression in late 1929, which halted commercial building activity and ushered out the popularity of these architectural styles. Therefore, the building is late example of both styles.”
The building is being remodeled for the museum and its performance center. No opening date has been set.
The structure sits between the northbound and southbound lanes of Illinois 53, aka Route 66.
According to the city’s website, here are the benefits of a landmark designation:
Landmark designation protects the architectural and historic character of the home going forward. Before it can be altered or demolished, the Joliet Historic Preservation Commission must review and approve the plans for any such changes. When making changes to a building, any building that is not landmarked only needs a building permit; landmarked buildings need a building permit and a certificate of appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission.
There can be financial advantages for the owners of landmarked buildings, too. A well-maintained house helps to stabilize property values in the surrounding area. Property taxes can be frozen – meaning no increases – for ten years. Also, in some cases, Federal income tax credits for renovations are possible.
The museum in February announced its inaugural Hall of Fame class of Chicago, Cheap Trick, Ides of March, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Buckinghams and REO Speedwagon.
Those inducted in the non-performer categories were WLS radio, Chess Records, the Thirsty Whale nightclub and disc jockey Larry Lujack. The Founder’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to disc jockey Dick Biondi.
The induction ceremony scheduled for late March was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
(Excerpted image of the building at 9 W. Cass St. in Joliet, Illinois, via Google Street View)
Sounds like good news to me!