It's spectacular. They've done an incredible job of maintaining the historic fabric and restoring it.
It's a very difficult process, because of the 40 or 50 structures that are nominated, we have to analyze what structures will be served best by the listing.
The purpose of the list is to raise public awareness of the plight of these buildings in order to help bolster neighborhood and community allies who are also trying to save these buildings.
The rate of new construction in many areas of Illinois over the past decade is just astounding. Communities need to have programs in place that will help them protect the character of their most cherished buildings and landscapes.
Until a building is known for its architectural importance and for the threat that exists to it, it's very hard to galvanize public opinion. Once people understand that's happening, it's a different story.
The fate of this building rests in everybody's hands. A compromise has to be reached among those who want a good solid preservation plan and what is economically feasible for a 2.5 million-square-foot building.
This building is one of the finest examples of its architectural style in the Midwest. As a result, any changes to its exterior should be very carefully considered.
Not only are they destroying architecture of note, they are destroying history.
