URBANA – For decades, the people of Urbana have marveled at the architecture of the county courthouse, built in 1901, and dozens of other buildings in its downtown. Now the historic downtown district is receiving national recognition.
This week, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced the Downtown Urbana Historic District is one of 12 Illinois sites added to the National Register of Historic Places.
A press release from the IDNR says there are 41 historical properties throughout the historic district, including the courthouse, the Urbana Free Library and former U.S. Post Office. Other businesses represent 19th and 20th century architectual styles including Italianate, Romanesque Revival, Classical Revival, and Tudor Revival.
Being listed on the National Register of Historic Places means qualify for federal grants or consideration during federal project planning. Also the sites become eligible for some tax provisions.
The 12 sites across Illinois added to the national register include:
- Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium District, Chicago, Cook County
- Copley Hospital, Aurora, Kane County
- First Congregational Church, Des Plaines, Cook County
- Louis Fredrick House Barrington Hills, Lake County
- The Forum, Chicago, Cook County
- Leaning Tower of Niles, Cook County
- Lilacia Park Historic District, Lombard, Du Page County https://uccrollo.org/
- Alton Gas and Electric Powerhouse, Alton, Madison County
- Downtown Urbana Historic District, Champaign County
- Hunziker Winery Site, Warsaw, Hancock County
- Paris High School and Gymnasium, Edgar County
- Rollo Congregational United Church of Christ, Earlville vicinity, De Kalb County
