Macomb, IL – Macomb is being asked to consider placing its courthouse square on the National Register of Historic Places.
The suggestion comes from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. A couple of its representatives toured the square with local business and government leaders Thursday.
IHPA Project Designer Anthony Rubano says the square has many historic structures that were well built. He thinks Macomb is one of the most architecturally interesting county seats in the state.
Rubano says federal income tax credits are available for commercial buildings in historic districts.
IHPA Manager of Local Government Services Catherine O'Connor says federal money might also be available if the city passes a strong historic preservation ordinance and forms a historic preservation commission.
You can listen to comments from Rubano and O'Connor by clicking on the audio button.
Additional information:
*Rubano and O'Connor visited Macomb as part of an Illinois Main Street program. The program provides Building Services free of charge to business and property owners in the downtown areas of Illinois Main Street communities.
*The Business Services program is in jeopardy because of state budget cuts. In fact, this might be the final year for it.
*There are 71 Main Street communities in Illinois.