Category Archives: Belleville, Illinois
Charles E. King Recognition Reception
The Belleville Historical Society will honor and celebrate the body of work created by architect Charles E. King in the Belleville area at a reception on Sunday afternoon, November 4th at 2:00 at the Alan J. Dixon Student Center on … Continue reading
Belleville Turner Hall Makes Illinois Statewide Endangered List
From Landmarks Illinois Wednesday, April 6, 2011, Springfield, Ill.—The Belleville Turner Hall, 15 N. First St. in Belleville (St. Clair County), was named to Landmarks Illinois’ annual “Ten Most Endangered Historic Places” list, which was announced today at a press … Continue reading
Posted in Belleville, Illinois
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Opportunity Lost in Belleville
by Michael R. Allen Photograph by Chad Briesacher. In a strange move, on October 19 the Belleville (Illinois) City Council voted 14-1 to approve a plan that would replace the former Meredith Home with a park. The Meredith Home is … Continue reading
Two Wayfinding Ideas from Illinois
by Michael R. Allen On a recent trip to Chicago, I came across the wonderful “Dearborn Avenue Cultural Walk.” The “walk” is a self-guided architectural and cultural tour with information placed on illustrated signs along Dearborn. Each sign contains information … Continue reading
Posted in Belleville, Illinois, Best Practices, Chicago, Illinois
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Farm House Facing Death In Belleville
by Michael R. Allen I have been conducting an architectural survey at Scott Air Force Base and passing back through Belleville. Last week, just east of town I came across this 19th century brick farmhouse on Highway 161 east of … Continue reading
Posted in Agriculture, Belleville, Illinois, Demolition, Southern Illinois
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Arts Center Proposal for Belleville YMCA Gaining Momentum
by Michael R. Allen Over the weekend, the Belleville News-Democrat carried a story by Laura Girresch entitled “The old YMCA building: Is it worth saving or will it be a money pit?”. Title aside, the article reports that St. Clair … Continue reading
Posted in Belleville, Illinois, Historic Preservation
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Arts Center Proposed for Belleville YMCA
by Michael R. Allen Today the Belleville News-Democrat reported on an effort to turn the old YMCA building in Belleville, Illinois — originally the Belleville Turner Hall — into an arts center. The story included some good news in the … Continue reading
Harter’s Hobby House Sign Removed
by Michael R. Allen For decades, Harter’s Hobby House at 1001 West Main in Belleville beckoned hobbyists with its colorful sign, which resembled a blue pin-striped stick of dynamite with a starlight mint-like pinwheel fuse. The sign is no more, … Continue reading
Posted in Belleville, Illinois, Mid-Century Modern, Neon, Signs
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More Time Needed to Market Belleville YMCA Building
by Michael R. Allen On December 5, the Belleville News Democrat carried an article with the title “Reality check for old YMCA building: ‘Unless money is found, nothing’s going to happen’”. The article contains disturbing news from Belleville’s effort to … Continue reading
Old Belleville Turner Hall Could Be Yours
by Michael R. Allen The city of Belleville, Illinois has extended through August 30 the period for its Request for Proposals for the old city-owned Belleville Turner Hall. Located just north of the bustling Main Street business district at the … Continue reading