May 5, 2021 – The Illinois Terminal Interurban Station in Decatur has been named to Landmarks Illinois’ 2021 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. History of the Heartland nominated the site in January for consideration on the annual list of top threatened historic and culturally significant places, published by the statewide historic preservation advocacy organization. At the time of the nomination, the building at 1065 N. Van Dyke St. was for sale.
The property was subsequently removed from the market as the current owners, Faith Community Assembly, continue to look for another church property for its home. Faith Community Assembly has been at the location since 2005.
“History of the Heartland looks forward to assisting in this project. Perhaps we can encourage some joint partnerships among our consortium to assist in the awareness campaign,” says Chairman, Bret Robertson. “Trains have a strong history in the shaping of our City and the Interurban Rail Service story is not widely known.”
The terminal will host an open house on May 17th, 5-7 pm as a part of historic preservation week. The open house is free and the public is encouraged to attend.
The Illinois Terminal Interurban Station is the second site in Decatur named to Landmarks Illinois’ Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois in the program’s 26-year history. The Culver House was included in the 2000 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois. The annual advocacy program provides awareness about threatened historic Illinois structures and the need for their repair, rehabilitation, restoration, and/or reuse.
