Springfield, IL – State Representative Travis Weaver (R-Peoria) has confirmed with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) that funding has been secured for the first phase of the long-awaited restoration and repair work at the Bishop Hill State Historic Site in Henry County.
A total of $12 million has been appropriated for this phase of the renovations and will include architect and engineering fees, as well as physical construction costs. The focus of the work will center on the Colony Church, Bjorklund Hotel, Boys Dormitory, church restrooms, and shed.
“The tireless work of so many incredible people is coming to fruition at Bishop Hill, and I couldn’t be more excited or proud,” stated Rep. Weaver. “I again want to thank the Capital Development Board (CDB) and IDNR for working with us and recognizing the critical nature of the needs at Bishop Hill. I am thrilled for the Bishop Hill Advocates and Project Team, as this announcement has been a long time coming. Everyone remained steadfast and on message, and the restoration of the beautiful Bishop Hill site is indeed moving forward.”
Previously, the CDB announced that JLK Architects had been selected to complete an Architecture Plan to restore several buildings at the Bishop Hill site.
The Bishop Hill State Historic Site is a small village that includes a beautiful array of historic buildings, memorials, a park, and gazebo. The settlement dates back to 1846, when the community was founded by Swedish immigrants fleeing religious persecution. Bishop Hill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and listed in 1984 as a National Historic Landmark. Many of the buildings at Bishop Hill are in dire need of repairs, due to deferred maintenance, insufficient funding, and neglect.
The buildings are owned by the State of Illinois and maintained by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Last year, Landmarks Illinois included Bishop Hill on its 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois List.