OREGON – The iconic Black Hawk statue, which overlooks the Rock River valley at Lowden State Park, was named one of 12 endangered historic places in Illinois today.
The Landmark Preservation Council of Illinois puts together the list, and included the Black Hawk statue this year in order to bring attention to the immediate need, to proceed with an already-developed conservation plan. The group says the poured-concrete statue cannot withstand another winter. They cite two reports, conducted by a firm documenting cracks and spalls, that the concrete dramatically worsened between 2008 and 2014 due to water infiltration.
Oregon’s Friends of the Black Hawk Statue Committee have raised $740,000 in private funds in support of conserving the statue. But, due to budget cuts to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, restoration has been delayed already by a year, and committed private funds are at risk due to missed deadlines.
The Presentation Council says a successful restoration of the monument would require pressure from the financial contributors, local officials and the general public.
Supporters of the statue encourage anyone that wants to help to reach out to Governor Rauner and your State Senator and Representative and urge them to expedite the renovation plan prior to next winter. For more information on the 2015 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois, click here.
The Landmark Preservation Council of Illinois puts together the list, and included the Black Hawk statue this year in order to bring attention to the immediate need, to proceed with an already-developed conservation plan. The group says the poured-concrete statue cannot withstand another winter. They cite two reports, conducted by a firm documenting cracks and spalls, that the concrete dramatically worsened between 2008 and 2014 due to water infiltration.
Oregon’s Friends of the Black Hawk Statue Committee have raised $740,000 in private funds in support of conserving the statue. But, due to budget cuts to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, restoration has been delayed already by a year, and committed private funds are at risk due to missed deadlines.
The Presentation Council says a successful restoration of the monument would require pressure from the financial contributors, local officials and the general public.
Supporters of the statue encourage anyone that wants to help to reach out to Governor Rauner and your State Senator and Representative and urge them to expedite the renovation plan prior to next winter. For more information on the 2015 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois, click here.
