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Update
June, 2012: Landmarks Illinois was able to
provide a follow-up technical assistance report for this
site with a grant from the Illinois Historic
Preservation Agency.
Click here for report.
Sheriff’s Residence and
Jail
259 W. State St., Paxton
(Ford County)
Located next to the Ford County Courthouse, this 1871
Italianate-style, brick house served as a sheriff’s
residence, with an attached stone jail, for 120 years.
It was sold in 1993 to private buyers who planned to
create a bed and breakfast, but they were unable to
carry out the project and the property has sat vacant
for several years. The County repurchased the structure
in 2007 with the intent of using it to relocate
probation offices from the courthouse. However, county
officials have since decided against this approach and
have suggested possible demolition. Local advocates have
urged the County to consider other options, such as
leasing the property for office space or for a community
use. To date, county officials have been unwilling to
consider these options.
The former Ford County Sheriff’s Residence and Jail is
thought to be the earliest building – serving this dual
purpose – of its kind in the state. Built in 1871, a
large wrap-around porch was added to the house portion
after 1900. The jail, built of Indiana limestone, and
also built in 1871, continued to function until 1993
when a new jail was built. The last county sheriff
resided in the house until 1989, when it was converted
into office space.
After Ford County vacated the facility in 1993, the
community was supportive of the bed and breakfast plans,
which would get the property on the tax-rolls. However,
the incomplete project left the building vacant and
unheated. After the County repurchased the building, a
new roof was added. Now that the County has reversed its
plan to relocate probation offices there, the County has
discussed demolition as an option, rather than selling
or leasing it. If demolished, the County would likely
use the land for development of a new county-related
building.
What You Can Do
Encourage the Ford County Board to reuse the historic
Sheriff’s Residence and Jail or to sell or lease it for
private or community use. Contact:
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Mr. Rick Bowen, Chairman
The Ford County Board
Ford County Courthouse, Room 101
West State Street
Paxton, IL 60957 |
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