Peoria Standard

State Representative Travis Weaver (R-Peoria) has confirmed with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) that funding has been secured for the first phase of restoration and repair work at the Bishop Hill State Historic Site in Henry County. The allocated sum for this phase is $12 million, covering architect and engineering fees along with physical construction costs. The renovations will focus on the Colony Church, Bjorklund Hotel, Boys Dormitory, church restrooms, and shed.

Representative Weaver expressed his satisfaction, stating, "The tireless work of so many incredible people is coming to fruition at Bishop Hill, and I couldn’t be more excited or proud.” He thanked the Capital Development Board (CDB) and IDNR for their collaboration in recognizing the site’s needs, highlighting the perseverance of the Bishop Hill Advocates and Project Team in bringing this project forward.

Previously, the Capital Development Board had announced the selection of JLK Architects to complete an Architecture Plan for restoring several buildings at the site. The Bishop Hill State Historic Site, a small village, retains a collection of historic buildings, memorials, a park, and a gazebo. Founded in 1846 by Swedish immigrants, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1984.

Many of Bishop Hill's buildings, owned by the State of Illinois and overseen by the IDNR, require repairs due to deferred maintenance and neglect. The site was listed last year by Landmarks Illinois as one of the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in the state.