Since 1995, Landmarks Illinois has asked preservationists, community leaders and concerned citizens throughout the state to nominate threatened or endangered historic properties for its annual list, the Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois.
According to the group, the purpose of the list is to focus attention on sites threatened by deterioration, lack of maintenance, insufficient funds, or inappropriate development and to bolster local advocacy efforts and build support for each property’s eventual preservation.
Landmarks Illinois announced the 2017 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois on April 6, 2017.
This year’s list includes the Norway Temperance Hall in LaSalle County.
According to a release, the building has been for sale in the past but is currently off the market.
Built in 1909 by the Methodist Church, the Norway Temperance Hall served as a social and educational center in the community.
According to the release, the Norway Temperance Hall is listed in the National Register as a contributing building to the Norway Historic District. The one-story building has exterior walls of clay tile and sits on a poured concrete foundation. Design flaws have caused the building to shift, resulting in cracking in the walls. Threatened by water infiltration, the interior includes the historic ticket booth, built-in shelves, wood floors and stamped metal ceiling. Given the rapid rate of deterioration, the Norwegian Center Incorporated is seeking to secure ownership of the building and stabilize the foundation.