This blog has focused on a number of renovations over the last few months, primarily because a number of buildings with cupolas and finials have found themselves in need of restoration. Certain areas have put more emphasis on older buildings by enabling groups to apply for grants that can be used to help fund restoration projects. One state that does this is Illinois, which actually has a grant program specifically for courthouses that are in need of preservation. Lately, this program has helped out a number of local courthouses in need of repair.

According to the Aledo Times Record, the Richard H. Driehaus County Courthouse Grant has been providing an opportunity for courthouses on the National Register of Historic Places. This program has allowed exterior elements of courthouses to have work done:

“This is the third year of the statewide County Courthouse Program, which is a four-year, $1 million effort funded by philanthropist Richard H. Driehaus.  Eligible projects include the restoration of significant exterior courthouse features, including clocks, bell towers, cupolas, and distinctive ornament, as well as new, cutting-edge exterior lighting technologies.”

The article lists a number of buildings that have benefited from this program, including:

-          The Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum Association, which has launched a fundraising project to match the amount given by the grant foundation. The overall amount of money would be used to match the buildings’ cupola to the original plans. If successful, the building will be reconstituted as a history museum.

-          The Logan County Courthouse, which was built in the early 20^th century employing a classical revival style. The grant given to the county has been used to restore the bell, bell stand and clock faces on the building. The building is still being used as the local courthouse, so a restoration project is necessary to keep its architecture looking beautiful.

This type of program is very helpful to those who appreciate the beauty of old architecture in the form of cupolas and finials.