2001-60 DESIGNATING A HISTORIC DISTRICT - MACON PLACE

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• The Proposed Historic District of Macon Place Findings of Criteria for Designation of Landmarks and Historic Districts Many of the criteria listed in Chapter 31 of the City Code of the City of Decatur for the designation of historic districts are satisfied by a review of the materials submitted by the property owners of this area. Development of this area began early in the city's history, beginning in the 1860s, and continuing unti11910, with some changes and renovations to these original structures. Many of the homes were the private residences of city leaders, prominent j businessmen, and even a congressman. The homes are a marvelous blend of architectural styles, including, but not limited to, Queen Anne, Prairie Style, Romanesque, and Colonial Revival. These properties more than adequately qualify as having "character, interest or value as part of the development,heritage or cultural characteristics of the City of Decatur, County of Macon, State of Illinois, or United States of America." Several of these homes were the private residences of early leaders and developers of the city. Samuel Jack, editor and publisher of the Decatur Review in the 1880s, and later a state representative, bought and developed his own residence in this district. One of the homes listed was the residence of Mahlon Haworth, a prominent businessman who developed the auto corn planter. Another home was the residence of Rolla McMillan, who was Macon County's representative in the 81S`Congress from • 1944-1950. The area can be "identified with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the development of the City, County, State or Nation. This area also has many fine examples of architectural styles that are"valuable for the study of a period,type, method of construction or use of indigenous materia.ls." These homes were built from local materials, crafted by local architects and builders, and lived in by prominent citizens of the city. The entire neighborhood ha.s"a sense of cohesiveness expressed through a similarity of characteristic of style, period or method of construction." While some residences were built in the 1860s, and others much later, the overall effect is a delightful neighborhood of contrasting styles and designs, giving a resident or a visitor a ma.rvelous presentation of the development and changes as the city grew and developed. Many of these properties outlined have "elements of design, detailing, materials or craftsmanship that make it structurally or architecturally significant or innovative." Several of the homes feature original decorative details, architectural design, and craftsmanship that is unseen today. These properties are a marvelous legacy and heritage to the city of Decatur,the County of Macon, the State of Illinois and the United States of America. Each of their unique "stories"deserve to be told, and passed on for future generations of Decatur residents, couniy residents, state visitors, and American citizens. This heritage of our city, left by some of our own forefathers, deserves the protection tha.t Chapter 31 of the City Code of the City of Decatur, Illinois guarantees. •