Historic Preservation and Economic Development: Building Our Future by Preserving Our Past
Historic preservation and economic development are strongest when they work together. The goal is to honor the places that tell our story while adapting them to meet today’s needs.
Historic places connect us to our past and give communities a sense of identity. When we lose them, we lose more than buildings… we lose the stories and character that make our communities unique.
Preservation requires investment, collaboration, and skilled workers, and those efforts strengthen local economies and create lasting community value. Revitalized historic buildings attract businesses, tourism, housing, and new investment while preserving the distinctive character that sets communities apart. Adaptive reuse is one of the best preservation tools. Former schools, churches, factories, and commercial buildings can become housing, businesses, and community spaces, meeting today’s needs without erasing yesterday’s history.
By sharing the stories behind historic places, we build support for protecting the sites that continue to enrich our communities, strengthen our economy, and connect future generations to our shared heritage.
“At its heart, preservation is about possibility, a practice that takes something old and creates something new, meeting the needs of communities, addressing challenges posed by a changing climate, and building affordable housing through the adaptive reuse of older and historic buildings. Think of an old office building turned into apartments, a historic church turned into a restaurant, or an abandoned hospital building turned into an art gallery.” Rebecca Ortenberg, National Trust for Historic Preservation
Local History
River, railroads, early industry, historic homes, and so much more
- Kankakee County Museum and Historical Society
- Manteno Historical Society
- Herscher Historical Society
Additional Resources
- Main Street America: reenergizing and strengthening older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts nationwide
- Landmarks Illinois: the state’s leading voice for historic preservation
- Kankakee County Historic Preservation Commission: promoting preservation of Kankakee County’s heritage through the identification, evaluation, and documentation of Kankakee County’s historic landmarks
