Public Policy Case Studies

Historic Preservation

Client

Historic Parkview School Foundation

Situation

After more than a century of service, Parkview School stood vacant, an eyesore in one of Yorkville, Illinois' nicest neighborhoods. The neighbors who formed a foundation to purchase the building understood that its long-term prospects would improve if the school were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But there were serious problems. The building's historical significance was local, not national. Also, ugly metal frames replaced the original wood window openings, an alteration that typically makes National Register Designation difficult to attain.

Solution

McElroy Associates researched the viability of a National Register application. We submitted a preliminary application to the State of Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. However, the agency's staff didn't think the building deserved National Register status. After conducting additional interviews and further archival research, we submitted a revised application, which the state and federal government approved.

Result

Parkview School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a designation that makes the building eligible for various financial aid programs. McElroy Associates helped the Foundation procure $250,000 in grants for window restoration.