By The Times Weekly, News
The City of Joliet recognized State Representative Larry Walsh, Jr., and Congressman Bill Foster for their advocacy efforts in securing stabilization funding for the Old Joliet Prison by bestowing them with the 2022 Annual Historic Preservation Award. The City, through the Historic Preservation Commission, sponsors this annual award program, which recognizes properties that have undergone recent preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation as well as people or organizations who exhibit dedication to the field of historic preservation.
Representative Walsh accepted his award at the June 21, 2022, City Council meeting and noted: “This is a step in the right direction to get a huge tourist attraction and a revenue generator for the City of Joliet. Representative Walsh has been involved in local discussions regarding the future of the Old Joliet Prison as well as the Joliet Steel Mill Site and other properties along the historic Collins Street Corridor for over a decade. Representative Walsh has secured $3.5 Million in State funding for physical stabilization.
Congressman Foster, who was not able to attend the City Council meeting, had earlier in June presented a $3 million check to the Joliet Area Historical Museum at an event. Congressman Foster stated: “federal funding will be used to rehabilitate a culturally and historically significant part of our community. This project is “shovel ready” and will bring much-needed construction jobs to an economically underserved area of the city.
The Old Joliet Prison is open seasonally seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Members of the Joliet Area Historical Museum receive free admission for self-guided tours.
