http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-910178.mp3
Macomb, IL – The quest to redevelop the Lamoine Hotel in downtown Macomb has hit a snag, albeit a small one.
Community Development Coordinator Ed Basch says the state's historic preservation board now wants a couple more pieces of information from the city, which is seeking to put the hotel on the National Register of Historic Places. Once the state application is complete, it will be forwarded to the National Park Service for approval.
"The only thing we're waiting for is some information about the architects who designed the Lamoine Hotel in the 1920's," says Basch. "Because they had a multi-state reputation at the time for designing other public facilities as well as private homes."
The Champaign-based architectural firm was featured in national magazines, one of which Macomb's historic preservation commission stumbled upon. Basch says a University of Illinois faculty member is helping the city learn about the architect, but it's taking longer than expected to get the information.
Basch says Macomb has compiled "99 percent" of what it needs to complete its application. The city needs to re-print some photos in addition to researching the architect.
A listing on the National Register of Historic Places would make the Lamoine Hotel eligible for federal tax credits. The city hopes that will encourage developers to buy the hotel and use the extra money to turn it into condominiums and retail space.
Basch says he's already been contacted by the National Park Service, which told him the application looks good and will likely be approved.
Basch says there are still several developers watching this ongoing process to see if the designation is given.
"I think that maybe when we get the actual designation, that might trigger somebody to move forward. At least I hope so."