A crew from Valley Construction removes a sycamore tree from the northwest corner of the historic Rock Island County Courthouse property for safety reasons Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Rock Island.
SPRINGFIELD — For the second-straight year, Landmarks Illinois has named the Rock Island County Courthouse one of the most endangered historic places in Illinois.
On Wednesday the group released its 25th annual list of Most Endangered Historic Places, a survey of historical and culture sites whose existence is considered to be threatened.
Founded in 1971, Landmarks Illinois is the largest historic preservation advocacy organization in the state.
The future of the 124-year-old Rock Island County courthouse sits in legal limbo as a lawsuit seeks to prevent demolition.
"While it is in the courts now, we can't be sure (the courthouse) will be saved," said local preservation activist Diane Oestreich. "It is still in great danger, but we are optimistic. We have been getting a great deal of statewide attention."
Oestreich joined in a lawsuit with Landmarks Illinois and four other plaintiffs to stop demolition of the historic courthouse. The suit was filed in Rock Island County Feb. 6 and moved to Peoria County to avoid conflict of interest.
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Peoria County 10th Circuit Judge Jodi Hoos dismissed the case March 19. Following an appeal filed by the plaintiffs in the Third District Appellate Court, an emergency stay and temporary restraining order were granted. Landmarks Illinois posted bond of $336,000 April 12.
Although the case is pending, a crane for demolition remains on the courthouse property.
"A troubling trend with this year's most endangered sites is the number of historic places that face demolition despite strong and active community support for preservation," Landmarks Illinois President Bonnie McDonald said in a release.
"These repeat listings demonstrate Landmarks Illinois’ dedicated and ongoing efforts to help communities across the state find solutions to preserve our historic places," McDonald said.
This year’s listing of 12 sites also included the James R. Thompson Center, in Chicago; St. Mary’s School, in Galena; and the Chancery and Piety Hill properties, in Rockford; among others.
According to Landmarks Illinois, the Most Endangered list has called attention to 242 historic buildings, programs, and sites, of which 113 have been saved.
Sarah Hayden contributed to this reporting.
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A crew from Valley Construction removes a sycamore tree from the northwest corner of the historic Rock Island County Courthouse property, for safety reasons, Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Rock Island. The demolition of the old courthouse is tied up in litigation. “This removal is in compliance with the pending demolition litigation and the plaintiffs are in agreement,” Rock Island County Sheriff Gerry Bustos said on Wednesday.
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The remains of a sycamore tree, located at the northwest corner of the historic Rock Island County Courthouse property, after it was taken down by Valley Construction for safety reasons Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Rock Island.
042619-mda-nws-courthousetree-03.jpg
A crew from Valley Construction removes a sycamore tree from the northwest corner of the historic Rock Island County Courthouse property for safety reasons Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Rock Island.
042619-mda-nws-courthousetree-04.jpg
The remains of a sycamore tree, located at the northwest corner of the historic Rock Island County Courthouse property, after it was taken down by Valley Construction for safety reasons Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Rock Island.
042619-mda-nws-courthousetree-05.jpg
A crew from Valley Construction removes a sycamore tree from the northwest corner of the historic Rock Island County Courthouse property for safety reasons Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Rock Island.
042619-mda-nws-courthousetree-06.jpg
Rock Island County State's Attorney John McGehee, right, and two Rock Island County Sheriff's Dept. employees watch a crew from Valley Construction take down a sycamore tree, located at the northwest corner of the historic Rock Island County Courthouse property, Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Rock Island. The tree was removed for safety reasons. The demolition of the old courthouse is currently tied up in litigation. “This removal is in compliance with the pending demolition litigation and the plaintiffs are in agreement,” Rock Island County Sheriff Gerry Bustos said on Wednesday.
042619-mda-nws-courthousetree-07.jpg
A crew from Valley Construction removes a sycamore tree, located at the northwest corner of the historic Rock Island County Courthouse property, for safety reasons Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Rock Island.
042619-mda-nws-courthousetree-08.jpg
The remains of a sycamore tree, located at the northwest corner of the historic Rock Island County Courthouse property, after it was taken down by Valley Construction for safety reasons Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Rock Island.
042619-mda-nws-courthousetree-09.jpg
A crew from Valley Construction takes down a sycamore tree, located at the northwest corner of the historic Rock Island County Courthouse property, for safety reasons Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Rock Island.
042619-mda-nws-courthousetree-10.jpg
The remains of a sycamore tree, located at the northwest corner of the historic Rock Island County Courthouse property, after it was taken down by Valley Construction for safety reasons Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Rock Island.
