Rock Island Landmark designation provides protection through the Certificate of Appropriateness process to the exterior architectural features of a structure. Other benefits can include:

1. Retention of historic Rock Island structures
   
2. Eligibility for the Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program offered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
   
3. Increased awareness of historic properties
   
4. Pride and interest in your structure by the community
   
5. Increased tourism potential
   

What Structures Can Become Rock Island Landmarks?

Properties eligible for Rock Island Landmark designation include buildings, districts, sites and other noteworthy structures that are at least 50 years old. Buildings designated as Rock Island Landmarks can be viewed by clicking here. Structures designated can include high style mansions or the humblest barn if one of the following criteria is met:

1. Significant value as part of the heritage of the nation, state or community.
   
2. Associated with an important person or event in national, state or local history.
   
3. Representative of an architectural and/or landscape type, which exemplifies a period, style, craftsmanship, method of construction or use of local materials, and retains a high degree of integrity.
   
4. Notable work of a master builder, designer, architect or artist.
   
5. Identifiable as a familiar visual feature in the community, owing to its unique location or physical characteristics.
   
6. Its character as a particularly fine or unique example of a utilitarian structure such as a barn, gas station, or other commercial structure with a high level of integrity or architectural significance.
   
7. Areas that have yielded or are likely to yield information important to history or prehistory.
   
   

How to Nominate a Local Landmark

Fact: You need not own the property to nominate it for Rock Island Landmark designation.

The designation process is methodical and designed to allow the Rock Island Preservation Commission to gather as many facts and details about the property as possible prior to making designation decisions. The Preservation Commission has created a list of suggested details needed to complete a landmark nomination.

Designation proceeds like this:

Fact: Owner consent is not required to designate a building a Rock Island Landmark.

Complete nomination form. Prior to completing this form, you may wish to contact city staff for tips or guidance. Call (309) 732-2900 or send an e-mail to planning@rigov.org.

1. Present application before a three-member committee, who will determine if the application should proceed.
   
2. Revise application, if needed, based on subcommittee hearing.
   
3. Present application before Preservation Commission at a public hearing, where interested parties will also be able to speak to the nomination.
   
4. If designation is granted, receive recognition from the Mayor and City Council.
   

Authority to Designate Rock Island Landmarks

In 1984, Rock Island City Council passed the Rock Island Preservation Ordinance, providing for the landmark designation of significant buildings in the city. The Rock Island ordinance is somewhat unique in that the Rock Island Preservation Commission has independent authority to designate a Rock Island Landmark. However, appeals of landmark designations are filed with the Rock Island City Clerk for consideration by the City Council.

Who Can Help Me Nominate a Landmark?

The City’s Planning & Redevelopment Division serves as staff to the Rock Island Preservation Commission and can assist you. Please click here for a look at some of the staff services.

The Rock Island Preservation Society is a local nonprofit group willing to aid applicants in the landmark process. Contact them at P.O. Box 3261, Rock Island, IL 61204-3261.

Additionally, please take a look at the Research Resources section on this web site. You will find other sources of assistance there.