Kendall County Times

The city of Joliet declared May to be Historic Preservation Month and celebrated with an annual report on preservation, proclamations for historical projects at the library, and the addition of a new property to its historic district.

The city created turned focus on historical preservation and the requirements for a property or building to be added to their historical district in 1990. During its May 16 meeting, the city council approved adding the Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church at 212 Richards Street, which was constructed in 1891, and a bungalow style house at 410 Whitney Ave. When properties are added to the preservation list, they receive extra scrutiny and approvals for any work done to ensure the buildings are protected and the historical measure of them is maintained. 

"Whereas, in celebration of Historic Preservation Month in the city of Joliet, the Joint Historic Preservation Commission wishes to recognize the Joliet Public Library for the sensitive interior and exterior preservation work of the Ottawa Street Branch Library performed during the 2021-2022 renovation project," Council Member Suzanna Ibarra said. "It is the only surviving Joliet limestone building in the downtown area built after 1900."

Also at the May 16 council meeting, city officials from Joliet welcomed city planner and liaison to the historical preservation commission Jane Barnhart to give an annual report and receive a proclamation. 

“I thought with the newly seated council here that this would be a good opportunity to update everyone on the major initiatives that staff in the commission are working on to promote our city's heritage and meaningful places,” she shared. 

Some of the current projects the city is undertaking include reviving their train station depot museum with several grants, hoping to reopen it to the public this fall. They have created a database of all historical sites and information about all of them for public engagement, and are doing surveys of historic neighborhoods. 

The council also recognized Ken and Irene Odorizzi for their preservation efforts on the former Planisek Grocery and Meat Market located on 1314 Elizabeth St. This small grocer was opened in 1926 by Emma and Martin Planisek, Irene’s parents. Through their efforts, the grocer continues to be a monument of the Slovenian immigrant neighborhood.