Nine outstanding preservation efforts from across the state will be honored next month by Landmarks Illinois, a statewide group that advocates for the protection of historic properties.

“This has been an extraordinary year for preservation in Illinois,” said Bonnie McDonald, president of Landmarks Illinois. “Increasingly, building owners and developers are recognizing that the preservation and reuse of notable architecture not only enhances the beauty of the state, but also can significantly improve the vibrancy and livability of our neighborhoods, fostering civic pride, community involvement, and additional reinvestment.”

Each winner will receive a Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award—which includes $500 and a distinctive trophy – at a special ceremony on October 17 at Venue One in Chicago.  One of this year’s winner for Stewardship is the Bishop Hill Heritage Association.  The Bishop Hill Heritage Association (BHHA) was founded in 1962 to preserve and promote the history of the Bishop Hill Colony, a utopian commune settled by Swedish immigrants in 1846. BHHA has been a faithful steward of four buildings in the historic district. Over the last five years, the association has undertaken extensive renovations of most of these buildings, including the 1853 Colony Store, the 1854 Steeple Building, and the 1855 Dairy Building. In total, BHHA has raised and invested more than $700,000 in rehabilitating these three historic buildings.

The awards ceremony, which includes cocktails and appetizers, will be held Saturday, Oct. 17 at Venue One, 1034 W. Randolph, and is open to the public. The program begins with a panel discussion at 3 p.m. followed by the awards presentation at 4:30 p.m. and a cocktail reception at 6 p.m.   Tickets are available at $40 for members and $50 for non-members. To make a reservation visit our website at landmarks.org/awards.htm or contact Landmarks Illinois at 312-922-1742.  RSVP by October 9.