Will County Gazette

The city of Joliet recently took the opportunity to hear an update on the Historical Preservation Commission's efforts to preserve the city's heritage as officials marked May as Historic Preservation Month.

Historic Preservation Month was celebrated with a variety of activities, including an annual report on preservation, proclamations for historical projects at the library and the addition of a new property to the historic district. One structure that also stood out for special note was the Ottawa Street Branch Library, a limestone structure that has been restored. 

"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," Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra said. "It is the only surviving Joliet limestone building in the downtown area built after 1900."

At their May 16th council meeting, city officials welcomed Jane Barnhart, city planner and liaison to the Historical Preservation Commission, 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 said.

The city turned its focus on historical preservation and the requirements for a property or building to be added to its historical district in 1990. 

During the recent meeting, the council approved adding 212 Richards St. church, which was constructed in 1891, and 410 Whitney Ave., which is a bungalow-style house. When properties join the list, they receive extra scrutiny and approvals for any work done must protect their historic character.

Some of the city's ongoing projects include reviving its Train Station Depot museum with several grants in anticipation of a fall reopening to the public. They have created a database of all historical sites and information about all of them for public engagement and are working to survey historic neighborhoods to add to that. 

The council also recognized Ken and Irene Odorizzi for their preservation efforts on the former Planinsek Grocery and meat market located at 1314 Elizabeth St. This small grocer was opened in 1926 by Emma and Martin Planinsek, Irene’s parents. Today, the grocery continues to be a monument of the Slovenian immigrant neighborhood and is a well-known cultural corner store.