The Bloomington Pantagraph published a story that the State of Illinois may auction off surplus property to add a few million dollars to the state budget.
That’s routine in many states. But one of the pieces of property is anything but routine.
It is the former Illinois State Police District 6 headquarters near Pontiac. It was built in 1941, sports unique architecture and is just off old Route 66. It’s also was inducted into the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame.
There is no set date on the auctions.
If the auctions happen soon or not, the property will remain designated as surplus. Before hitting the market, each piece of surplus property is offered to other state agencies or local governments.
State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, hopes the old state police headquarters doesn’t end up in the hands of someone who wants to tear it down.
The key is finding the right group with enough money for the long-term maintenance of a museum or similar attraction. Lore has it that the building is shaped like a gun, and some local leaders hope a buyer will eventually turn the place into a museum.
Another one of the items that may be auctioned is the former Joliet Correctional Center, which was featured in the opening scene of “The Blues Brothers.” It also is located just off old 66.