Thompson Center, Illinois fairgrounds on endangered list

SPRINGFIELD — Chicago’s massive downtown state government building and the state fairgrounds in Du Quoin and Springfield are among this year’s most endangered historic buildings in Illinois.

The nonprofit group Landmarks Illinois released its 2018 list on Wednesday, highlighting sites it says are threatened by demolition, deterioration or improper development. The group says this year’s list focuses on sites that represent Illinois’ 200-year history in honor of the Illinois bicentennial.

The group calls downtown Chicago’s James R. Thompson Center state office building an example of grandly scaled, postmodern architecture. The Helmut Jahn-designed structure was built in 1985. The state is considering selling the building.

Landmarks Illinois also says numerous structures at the state fairgrounds in Du Quoin and Springfield are suffering due to lack of maintenance because of state financial problems.

The list of endangered historic buildings

• The Forum, Chicago

• James R. Thompson Center, Chicago

• Second Church of Christ Scientist, Chicago

• Chautauquas and Tabernacles, Des Plaines, Freeport and Shelbyville

• State Fairgrounds, Du Quoin and Springfield

• Varsity Theater Block, Evanston

• The Nite Spot Cafe, Fairmont City

• Central Congregational Church, Galesburg

• Early settlement-era buildings, Geneva

• Kincaid Mounds, Massac and Pope counties

• Old Nichols Library, Naperville

• Rock Island County Courthouse, Rock Island

• Stran-Steel House, Wilmette