Joliet Historical Preservation: Preserving the City's Heritage

The Joliet Historical Preservation office plays a crucial role in safeguarding the city's unique heritage. Established to identify and protect historically and architecturally significant buildings, sites, and districts, the office works to maintain Joliet's sense of place and quality of life.The office is involved in various activities, including evaluating and nominating historic structures as Local Landmarks or parts of Local Historic Districts. They also review applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for any exterior changes to designated historic properties, ensuring that any alterations are in line with the district's character. The Historic Preservation Commission promotes historic preservation within the community and educates residents about available resources.Joliet boasts a rich diversity of architectural styles, with over 2,000 buildings constructed before 1900 and 11,000 before 1950. The city's history is deeply intertwined with its industrial past, particularly its limestone quarries, which provided the stone for many iconic buildings, including the Old Joliet Prison. Today, Joliet balances its industrial legacy with a focus on tourism, entertainment, and the preservation of its historic sites.